Teamster daddies never know when they'll have to exit a building quickly. That's why installing escape doors in all major habitation areas are necessary. The first time I realized T-Daddy had an escape route in place was while visiting his office at the local union hall. I was but an innocent child then and it all seemed so James Bond-like to me. You see, I was running around acting like a wild Indian exploring every nook and cranny of his 'local' dwelling and realized that there was a red button installed on the underside of his desk. When T-Daddy wasn't looking, I pressed it. Next, I heard a lock unlatch and that was the end of his big secret, at least from me. When he returned to his office after doing some official union business, he asked what I'd been up to. I decided I could either tell a white lie and say nothing, or be a good Teamster Daughter and find out more. Also, out of plain curiosity, I wanted to know what he was hiding so I asked. In an effort to remain the consumate big shot, "Walking Tall Teamster" he proceeded to explain to me that you never knew when you were going to have to leave someplace fast...on official union business of course. He added in his best Elvis Presley voice, "Always, always leave yourself an out. You never know when you might need it."

Secret doors started popping up everywhere, including the garage workshop at home. It still remains there today. I can't see anything but another lawnmower or toolbox trying to sneak in, but it's there. It wasn't until years later that we learned where the idea had spawned...on a visit to the International Brotherhood of Teamster headquarters on Louisiana Avenue across from the US Capitol. He showed us the steel doors on the apartment where Hoffa used to sleep when he'd come in to testify before Congress. And now I wonder just how many panic buttons and escape routes there are still across the street from the IBT? Hmmm.