Comments By Miss Rose

Hi Matt!

I've been lurking the website and forums for a while now in order to get a feel for everything. What I've seen so far is a lot of positive support, candid insight, and great information. I think this is a good time for my first post. I'm studying for the CDL and after some research, have a top three list of the companies that I'm leaning towards. However, I don't plan to apply to a company yet due to family obligations...which is why I'm offering you my 2 cents. :)

I grew up in a Navy household. I remember my dad being gone for at least six months every year. After leaving the military, he drove a truck for several years. I have a few good memories of being able to go with him for trips during the time he drove locally.

My husband is a retired veteran who drove OTR and now drives locally while he's attending school. During his military career we endured many long months apart. The length of deployments can vary greatly. Time, distance, and safety concerns are challenging for families.

We've been together for 20 years and endured a lot. In my experience, I have two favorite ways to keep a family strong: First...communication! Social media, phone calls, e-mails, FaceTime, cards, letters, care packages. There are many ways to keep a family close and involved. You don't have to be in the same room to be a family. Second...do what you love! If there's a career out there that you want because it's what you love to do, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. If you choose to "twist wrenches" until retirement, it will likely wear you down quickly. You'll move through each day probably tired, frustrated, irritable etc., and your family will be affected by your mood.

If you are doing what you love to do, you'll be relaxed and more fulfilled. Your personal happiness with your chosen career is a benefit to your spouse and your children. No, driving a truck is certainly no cake walk. But, you can always tell when someone loves their job no matter how challenging it is or how dirty they get while doing it.

Whether at home with your family, or on the road for weeks at a time, you always have value as a father. I believe if you are involved with your family as much as you can be, they will supportive and respectful of the choices you've made. You have great memories to build with them.

Well, that went into more rambling than I meant but...I hope my humble opinion helps a bit. Remember you asked for it! :)