Day 1: First Solo Mission

Hey everybody! I'm new to this blog thing, but I've read enough to know that it's the best when the entries are short, interesting and honest. Honest I can be....short, we'll see....and maybe not interesting for everyone.

My husband, Chuck, decided to become an over the road truck driver in May after being laid off in the printing industry (like many others). It was a complete 180 from what he used to do. When he finally got a company to hire him the deal was he had to be over the road (OTR) for 6 weeks with a mentor. He just completed that. I SHOULD have blogged that because THAT was a NIGHTMARE!!

Early this morning....BEFORE the crack of dawn....I drove him 90 miles (each way) to his terminal to pick up his new rig. He gets to drive alone, now. It doesn't seem so bad - there's a bed in there and some cabinets to keep everything he needs. He should be just fine. The part that is hard is the not knowing (haven't heard from you to tell me you're alright, yet, my dear!). The other part is the intense MISSING. I never thought I could miss someone so much. Obviously I haven't had enough loss in my life, or I woudn't me able to say that. I have tons of fears, hopes, emotions and frustrations about all of this and I just want to put it out there. If someone decides to post a constructive post I would be happy to hear any comments. I've talked to a few wives who are more "experienced" than me....and they've been a ton of help. Hopefully I will reach someone else who is alone and we can commiserate! :) Just kidding...not all misery...

I have 3 kids - 2 are teenagers, one's a little one (15 months old this month). It's not like the only thing I have to think about is my truck-driving husband...but it does tend to monopolize my mind. (not that I don't want it to) There is more to life, but I've learned from talking to a few other women that recognizing that our lifestyle is unlike many others is the first step...finding others who understand and can support us is a tremendous help.

Thanks so much for reading my first blog...I look forward to hearing your stories and hearing about your experiences ! Truck driver's wives, UNITE!! :) (so tough)

Robin