A Routine Wave Turns Into the Surprise of a Lifetime
Every day, truck driver Mark King would cruise down Highway 26 in his big rig. And every day, like clockwork, he’d see a smiling teen sitting in a wheelchair on the front lawn of a house along his route. Their daily waves quickly became a ritual—a quiet but heartwarming connection between two strangers.
The boy in the wheelchair is Dakota, lovingly called Bubba by everyone who knows him. Bubba has Dandy Walker syndrome and cerebral palsy, two conditions that make walking impossible without assistance. Despite his challenges, Bubba finds pure joy in one simple thing: watching trucks zoom by and honking at the drivers who wave back.
Bubba’s Love for Trucks Catches Mark’s Eye
If Bubba’s feeling up to it, he’ll park himself outside every day, hoping for those truckers’ friendly honks. Mark noticed Bubba’s enthusiasm for 18-wheelers and felt a pang of regret—his truck didn’t have a horn to join in on the fun. But Mark wasn’t the type to leave it at that.
One day, Mark left a special gift for Bubba: a T-shirt featuring his company’s logo and a toy semi-truck, right on the lawn where Bubba usually sits. It wasn’t much, but to Bubba and his mom, Peggy, it meant the world.
The Kindness That Sparked a Movement
Mark later shared that his own connection to Bubba was personal—he grew up with a sister who has special needs. Bubba, one of 14 children adopted by Peggy and her husband Rick, had become a symbol of resilience and love for the family. Seven of the Cadd children, including Bubba, still live at home. Bubba himself was adopted at just nine months old.
When Peggy posted about Mark’s thoughtful gift on social media, the story took on a life of its own. Inspired by Bubba’s love for trucks, strangers from across the country came together to organize something incredible: an event they called “18 Wheels for Bubba.”
A Birthday to Remember
For Bubba’s 16th birthday, over 180 semi-trucks rolled into a local park, transforming it into a dreamland for the teen. Bubba and his family arrived to find hundreds of people waiting to celebrate him. Bubba was stunned, his eyes wide with wonder at the sight of the massive convoy assembled just for him.
Drivers like Ray Hagen made the trip from as far as California to be there, parking their trucks for Bubba to explore. The party was complete with cake, gifts, and of course, honking horns. Bubba made it his mission to visit every single truck and honk as many horns as he could.
During the celebration, Bubba was honored as a member of two trucking organizations, including the Owner-Operated Independent Drivers Association. The kindness of strangers had made him an honorary trucker.
One Act of Kindness, a Lifetime of Memories
Bubba’s story is a powerful reminder of how small gestures can create waves of kindness. Watch the incredible moment when Bubba discovers the trucks—all 182 of them—waiting just for him. You won’t believe the joy in his smile.
Wouldn’t the world be a better place with more stories like this? Share this heartwarming tale with someone who needs a little hope today.
