Question:
Just something for the wannabies to see while
deciding to become a Newbie...
http://trucknet.infopop.net/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=475098473&f=452094104&m=9373034686
I would hope that before anyone decides to
invest the time or money in the driving field
that they take the time to read the Family forum here. You have to look at the big picture concerning all that's involved in this business.
Mike
Answer:
That almost made me choke up a bit. I never go to the Family area -- maybe I should.
This is a must read for all wannabies and newbies, or anyone else. Good choice Mike.

Answer:
This is a must read for all wannabies and newbies, or anyone else.
I thought long and hard before making this post
because I feel it's the Ladies sanctuary.
It's a great read inorder to see what families
have to contend with. I hope they don't become angry with me because I posted this and exposed their secrets. They all are great people even if they're women.
Mike
Answer:
Thanks for making this post.
And to all ...
The family room is for all (maybe we should change the description). It's important they "women" and other family members have a place to go to express their emotions without being judged. Many will not go to the main board as they feel it's for the driver and or of being attacked for something they may say that comes from their hearts.
Many of the women (and some drivers) take the deep personal stuff into the LOADS forum, so there is nothing in the family forum that is not open to all.
It also helps a great deal with the drivers offer support and advise as well. It helps for us (the female) to hear the males point of view on a subject. Mike, you've helped many with your comments there, you've made them think, you've supported them when they needed it, and yes, gave some tough advice as well .. they need that too.
The door is always open,
Kathy

Answer:
Just think about all the wife's sending their husband to the war front and you should be pretty happy knowing he will be home on the weekends.
It is a dangerous job, but nowhere near as dangerous as war. So when you are feeling down think about the Military wife and kids who don't know if daddy will make it back!
Peacekeeper
Culture, Borders, langauge!
www.newblackcity.com
Onion Horten the reverse racist radio show

Answer:
Good point Peacekeeper, but during Desert Storm, more military personnel were lost to peace time efforts in the states than in the war zone.
I find it amazing that armed conflict makes headlines while the loss of life on the US highways is assumed to be a normal event.
What we need to remember is that NOTHING is guaranteed. Whenever you leave your loved ones, even just to go down the block, you do not know if you will ever see them again. Treat each home time visit as if it is your last. That will put a new meaning to the term "quality time".
Sailtrucker

Answer:
I must admit I don't think I would have made a good "stay-at-home" trucker's wife. My husband drove when I met him but about 2 months later his uncle sold his rig and put him out of a job. He was gone all week with his uncle but home on weekends and I missed him but dealt with it.
After losing that job we he looked for other driving jobs but was having problems due to being only 21. Next thing we knew, our first child was on the way and the dreams of driving were put on hold since he expressed a desire to stay at home with me and the kids. His Dad drove truck when he was a kid and he didn't see him sometimes for weeks and months at a time.
About 1985 his Dad bought a truck and gave him an offer to run team with him. My husband told him he would consider it but we needed time to consider a relocation to Idaho and take care of all the arrangements (we were in NC and his family in Idaho).
A few day later we got a phone call from his uncle. His Dad was laid up with a back injury somewhere in Wyoming and needed help. Hubby hadn't driven in years but still had his Class A license. Of course, he rushed to help his Dad, quit his job, hopped on a plane to Denver, then took a bus to Wyoming.
He was supposed to be gone for a week or so before getting by the house so we could arrange a move for me and the kids. One week, stretched to two, then three. He called me daily and every time we got on the phone we argued because all I was doing was crying while he was gone. The kids were 5 and 3 and were upset because I was unable to hide my emotions from them. Our 3 yr. old became afraid of everything and everybody overnight.
His Dad finally got a load to NC and then I found out they wouldn't be able to come by the house on that one due to delivery time and routing. But he tells me his Dad will let him out on I-40 as close as possible to the house and he will hitch home. That's how the trucking ended once again. When he got home again, he said no more. He said it wasn't worth it to him and he would wait to truck until the kids were grown and I was free to go with him.
He waited and we talked about trucking sometimes over the years until 2000 when I finally reminded him the kids were grown. I felt very selfish because of what happened the last time and was trying to make up for it. I would have learned to deal with his absence in time but it wasn't happening overnight and the coercion and interference from his uncle in our marriage was NOT appreciated either.
Now I can go with him but sometimes that cab gets a little small for two very different people Luckily, it all works out.
Answer:
Although I'm still in wannabe status. I agree that the decision about entering the truck driving arena is one you must address with your family if you have one, My wife has been a military wife has been the "man" of the house more times then she would care for, but with us moving back home near family and the hope that after paying my dues will be able to go local as soon as possible. When the USAF has sent me to the many tropical paradises around the world (hey this beach is huge....where's the water!!! ) I would talk to my wife and kids at least once a week (sharing three phones with several hundred folks has its limits) I would write my kids however daily and mail them individual letters, it was really a big thing for them and they would write me back. So while I was away and really missed them, we grew closer through the written word. I know parents that are home everynight that communicate less with their kids then some of us that are routinely away. I think the key is in quality over quanity, but thats my two cents worth