Supplying Montréal with Himalayan Salt Bricks

As a truck driver since 2014, I have had the opportunity to experience all the perks of this profession. Unpredictable workdays can last up to 16 hours straight. And it doesn't matter if it is a severe thunderstorm or a snowfall, the delivery of the cargo must be completed according to the appointment. However, my trucking story ended on April 5, 2024.

● THE CRUSHING ROAD ACCIDENT

My last trip was supposed to end by making delivery of a pitmoss to the Home Depot Distribution Center in Westfield, MA. But it ended on I-91 at exit 14 at 3:11 PM

The driver of a white BMW X1 lost control on a slippery road, causing the car to spin around and slide dangerously close to the right shoulder of the highway. If it had finally come to a stop there, it would be a safe outcome for him and other car drivers who happend to be on the highway at the moment.

I maneuvered the truck to the extreme left edge of the lane. I was confident that I had avoided a collision, but suddenly and inexplicably, the X1 began reversing towards my truck.

In a reckless, seemingly unconscious maneuver, the BMW X1 careened out of control and smashed into my truck's right front wheel with a loud impact, causing the hood of my Volvo truck to fly open and completely obscure my view of the road. I was blinded, unable to see where my truck was hurtling, and couldn't imagine how or where this uncontrolled trajectory would end. In those fleeting 2-3 seconds, my mind raced with the terrifying thoughts: 'Is this the end? Will I meet my fate right here?'...

My truck collided with the road safety barrier with tremendous force, causing the right side of the cab to tilt towards me at a precarious 45-degree angle. Fortunately, the heavy trailer prevented the truck from vaulting over the metal barrier. Instead, the truck recoiled and then came to rest, suspended at an angle leaning the safety barrier.

There was a moment of eerie silence, followed by a thick white steam emanating from the broken cooling system, enveloping my mangled Volvo in a misty shroud.

I spent nearly a decade of my life behind the wheel of my trusty truck, racking up an impressive 1,000,000 miles as I crisscrossed Canada and the United States.

But on May 10, 2024, I received a devastating call from my insurance company. They informed me that the cost of repairs would exceed the truck's actual cash value (ACV), rendering it unrepairable. In other words, my beloved truck would be deemed a total write-off.

● IS IT AN OPPORTUNITY?

Was this a sign from above to stop risking my life in a dangerous game of cat and mouse for a living? Should I reconsider my career path and find a new way to earn a living, one that prioritizes safety and well-being over the allure of tough money? It looked like I was forced to reevaluate my future plans. And I decided to do that.

Fortunately, I ran into my neighbor, an architect, who shared with me his exciting projects at the company where he works. He told me about IDOLEM, a innovative project that uses Himalayan salt bricks to create decorative features and enhance the air quality in yoga studios designed by Jacques himself.

I expressed my gratitude to God for this opportunity and dedicated the next two weeks to searching for a reliable supplier of Himalayan salt blocks. After persistent efforts, I successfully secured a deal, and the first shipment of 5,000 bricks successfully arrived in Montréal port in August 2024.

With God's guidance and support, I embark on a new chapter of my life, filled with hope and determination for the opportunities ahead.

● THE WEATHER FORECAST

By Dave Collins, The Associated Press | Posted April 4, 2024 10:49 am. Last Updated April 5, 2024 1:12 am.

A major spring storm brought heavy snow, rain and high winds to the Northeast, downing trees and power lines and leaving nearly 700,000 homes and businesses without power at one point. A woman was killed by a falling tree in a New York City suburb and a second woman died in a New Hampshire fire caused by the weather.

Two feet (61 centimeters) of snow was expected in parts of northern New England by Thursday evening, with wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph (80 to 97 kph) in coastal areas and inland, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service said it was the biggest April nor’easter to hit the region since 2020.