The Journey Begins.

I am aboard the greyhound headed to chattanooga for orientation with covenant. As much as I'm looking forward to it my heart aches as I leave my wife and kids behind. I know this is for the best and will make for an easier life for them with the increased income. I look forward to this journey with a heavy heart as I miss them already. I knew this would t be easy But.never in my wildest dreams thought it would be this hard. I hope heartache doesn't have me doomed as I'm sure I'm not the only one to have felt this way.

Andre, we've seen a lot of people post these same feelings, it is very common. For me the absolute hardest time for me was after I had my first home time, and then went out on the road as a solo driver. Man it killed me leaving home knowing I was going to be gone for a while and that my family was going to be missing me. One thing to keep in mind is that it is sometimes harder on your wife at home than it is on you out here on the road. Everything, and I mean everything falls on her shoulders. It takes a special woman to understand what this job requires, and I am so thankful to have such a one as I do.

In the beginning of my career there were a few times when I just busted out in tears while moving my truck down the road because the feelings of missing my family swept over me like an ocean wave. I can deal with it much better now, but it is one of the difficulties of this job that might diminish with experience, but it never fully goes away. You'll soon discover that when you do go home that you are at times like an intrusion into their lives, that is something else that an OTR driver has to adjust to. Their lives don't stop just because we show up for a few days, and they can't really plan around our home time very easily because it is not usually and exact science as to which day we will be there.

I wish you the best Andre. I'm glad to know you feel the way you do, and want you to know that you will get better at dealing with it, and they will too. Make good use of that cell phone - it's, of course, no substitute, but it will help you keep the lines of communication open.

Thanks old school. I know it will pass as it has already started I'm focused on what I Ned to do to get the job done. My wife has told me more then once if you can't do it come home but no matter the company I have zero experience and will have to swallow this pill regardless. I have made great use of my phone as we have Skype and got to see them this morning. Talk about hard especially when your three year old looks into the phone and is crying and tells you daddy I want you to come home. It would have been so easy to grab my bags and be on the next flight home but I am not a quitter and will not give up so easy.

I am still at Smith & Solomon training to get my CDL. I am already worried for when I have to leave for an orientation. I am thinking the hardest part will be that 4-6 weeks out on the road with a trainer. I am getting in my head already to fight through. I have been at home with my all of my children since they were born. I bet it will be harder for them which is already breaking my heart. I think we all have to fight through that first year of learning and training, until we can secure a more local gig. I know my buddy runs regional for Smith. Home every weekend, but he ends up sleeping at home for his 10 hours three days a week as he passes through. I hope I can achieve that, and I am willing to move into a lane to be able to do that.

This has been a long journey for me that started back in November. Let me be the first to tell you that no amount of mental prep can ready yum for the day you leave your loved ones behind to embark on this journey. This morning as I spoke.with my family via Skype I lost it and was in tears. About ten minutes ago again I spoke with them and thankfully my eyes didn't leak. I am or I thought I was prepared for the day I left them but no sir I wasn't. I don't think it's possible. I just keep telling myself that this will make for a better life for my family.

I agree. There is no real way to prepare, but getting in our heads this will be best for our family - I think that will help.

It is a smart thing to do and I'll be the first to tell you that that is the only reason I am still here because when my daughter told me daddy come home I would have been on the first fight out of here. I know that this is the best for me so t ha I can provide better for my family. That is my driving force. Each time I open my wallet and see her cute pic staring back at me I just say to myself this is for you sweetheart and all is better.

As men we have a duty to do what is best for our family from an objective standpoint. We need to analyze things from every perspective and make a rational and logical decision. Women and children tend to think more emotionally and short-term, and we need to put emotion aside and think long-term. I apologize if that sounds sexist, but I'm just telling you how I see it.

Personally, that is why I'm doing this. I know it will be hard on my wife and kids in the short-term, but I'm doing what I know is best for them over the long-term. That is my motivation. You can't let their emotions affect your sound judgment or make you second guess yourself if you honestly believe you're doing the right thing. Ultimately, they will come to understand and will respect you more for doing what you know is right.

Andre, just hang in there brother and you'll be fine. Your family knows you love them and that this career choice is to make a better life for you all. Like O.S. mentioned, keep that communication open and reassure them on a daily basis. It takes a bit of adaptation but if everyone works hard, it will make you even stronger.