Well, That Was Short & Sweet . . .

I started feeling some pains in my shoulders about 6 weeks ago . . . they got more intense after I ate and when I did anything strenuous like hooking/unhooking my trailer . . . I finally got home long enough to see my own doctor . . . he had me do lab work and take a stress test . . . "Well?" I asked . . . "get your butt to the hospital - now!" was the short version of his answer . . . I'm writing this from my hospital bed . . . my kidneys were failing and now I'm in for a few procedures and six weeks off before I can continue to drive (which I WILL return to ASAP) . . . one complicating factor is that I went lease/op right out of training . . . I was going to give myself 1 full year before I weighed in on the whole "Do I or don't I" about leasing . . . I will make one comment, though . . . my good friend Ken C. (I have the distinct pleasure of calling both Ken C and Daniel B good friends as a result of both this website and Prime training) stayed on as a company driver and so I was able to directly compare my experience to his . . . I enjoyed the freedom of the lease over being a company driver and I averaged $1,000 per week income (keep in mind I have to pay ALL my own txes out of that) so when I go back, I'll do another lease . . . because of the time off I will need to terminate the lease and turn in the truck (it had 30 miles on it when I got it) so I'm more sad about that then the medical stuff I am facing . . . thank you Old School for that thoughtful, personal email you sent me . . . that's one classy guy, Old School . . . anyway, I will post when I can and I hope I can keep the wolves at bay until I can start making "revenooo" again soon (Ken C gets that one) . . . so for those of you that are believers, I crave your prayers . . . those who aren't, send good thoughts my way . . . everyone, appreciate what you have becuse it can be taken away very quickly and without warning . . .

Jopa

May you enjoy this time off to put your feet up and recover fully. We hope that the next few weeks are filled with lots of rest and relaxation.

Hey Jopa, you'll be in my family's thoughts and prayers. Hope you continue to dwell in that peace that surpasses all understanding.

I was out because of my knees last year. Avoid daytime television!! Best of luck and here's wishing you a speedy recovery!!!

Jopa, you're a damn good man and I know everyone here loves ya. You take your time and get well, health is nothing to play around with and just make sure you're ready to go back when you decide to. There's no reason to hurt yourself if you haven't fully recovered.

On the up side, we get more of your smart assed comments in the down time :)

Jopa, you're one of the toughest people I know. You'll get through this, this is just another bump in the road for you. You've proven in the past that nothing stops you from your goals. You'll be back out here before you know it.

In the meantime, catch up on sleep and your church family.

Hey I have hometime in two weeks. If you don't mind I would love to visit you in Truckee with my wife.

Jopa, sending you prayers and thoughts for a speedy and full recovery.

Don't think heaven is quite ready for you, yet. Looking forward to more of your wit on the forum.

Wishing all the best for you and a speedy recovery!

God only knows we need more of you slow ass prime trucks out here....

Hey Jopa, very sorry to hear, keeping you in our prayers as well sir. On the bright-side you'll be out long enough to skip all this wonderful winter weather out there this year and be back in time after Spring has Sprung in most places.

Prayers for a speedy recovery - and continued good health...

Rick