If you think your daily commute is rough, try 35 miles of it every day on your own two feet.
While others may think it’s a burden to change trains or get stuck in traffic, Steven Simoff has no complaints about walking as his mode of transportation. The 61-year-old walks a gruesome 35 miles everyday to get to the Lakeside Casino in Osceola, Iowa, where he works as a caretaker. He leaves at 3:30 in the afternoon every day so he can arrive in time for his 11pm overnight shift — all so he can make ends meet to support his sick wife.
Nine years ago, Steven’s wife suffered a stroke and has since had regular heart attacks, leaving her unable to work. Steven’s devotion to his wife is beyond unconditional.
“First of all, when you got a family, and you’ve got a job, you’ve got to be able to support your family. And you’ve got to keep your job — the most two important things I can think of.”
Steven says family is most important to him.
He and his wife Renee live in Davis city, together with their 22-year-old grandson. The family can’t afford to live nearer to Steven’s work, neither can they afford to fuel their minivan. Three out of five days, Steven can catch a lift which means he only has to walk a total of sixteen miles, though it’s still a hard task.
“If I don’t get to work, bills don’t get paid. As long as my two feet are good and my health is good, I don’t think I’ll change.”