Family Center - A Trucker's Wife
After 20 years of being married to the military
, on the day of my husbands retirement I was sick. Not physically but sick at heart. I felt like I was about to lose my family. I truly had a hard time adjusting to civilian life. I was lost.
I knew before my husband retired that he wanted to be a trucker. The Navy helped him get his CDL and he was working part time as a driver.
What I didn't realize was that I was about to find a new family, and embark on a new adventure. A family of dedicated and hard working men and women that keep this country moving.
A truckers wife is not a glamorous life. Weeks alone, missing family functions, not having the comfort you need when you are sick or dealing with family problems.
But lets look at the bigger picture. Forget about me. What about my husband who is living out of his truck for weeks at a time, eating food at times you know is unhealthy. Driving in all kinds of weather, putting up with unscrupulous brokers. Sitting for hours waiting to get loaded or unloaded. Driving when they are not feeling well. And let us not forget about worrying about their safety. I can go on and on.
I listen to some trucker wives complaining and moaning about how they hate the jobs her husband does and how they want them home. How they are never home for the for holidays and birthdays etc. All the time spending the money with no problem. I have also heard some very heartbreaking stories of women not taking care of the bills, and keeping the home front running smoothly.
A true truckers wife is a wife who makes sure she encourages and stays strong for her man. He is out there making sacrifices for his family.
Get involved in the trucking business. I learned to become a broker agent. Get involved in making sure all his paperwork and receipts are in order for tax season. Learn how to do his taxes so you can make sure your accountant stays on top of things, or if you feel confident enough do them yourself. If you can go out on the road with him. you will truly see the sacrifices he is making. The more involved you are helping him with his business the better connected the two of you will become. Be his personal secretary and set up a home office dedicated to the business.
Think of healthy meals you can prepare for him to take on the road.
Try to handle most of the issues with children and other family members yourself if possible. The last thing he needs is to worry about what is going on at home. We need to make sure they stay safe out there on the road.
Drivers do not get the respect they deserve. I have heard some really horrible things said about truckers. What people do not realize is that without trucks they would not be able to enjoy the luxuries they do. While our loved ones are making the sacrifices.
So come on ladies lets stand behind our men, encourage, love and be the support they need. Most of the truck drivers I know are decent, honest hardworking people. Stay connected with other truckers wives. You would be surprised how supportive they are.
Like I used to tell the military wives. You knew he was in the or was headed in that direction and you were alright with it then so woman up and stand by your man.
No one said it would be easy, but it takes a special kind of man and woman to do the job they do.
God Bless and drive safely.
A VERY PROUD TRUCKERS WIFE
Gloria Holmes
A Trucker's Wife is a column that is written by a different guest writer each month. If you would like to share your thoughts and feelings with other homefront spouses email us at imatruckerswife@layover.com .
by: Denny
Tips For Finding Family Law Attorneys In Tucson Using Squishy Balls for Exercising As One Happy Family Yamaha Ybr 125 The Family Bike To India. The Address of Your Vancouver Condo or Single Family House Matters "Organizational ethics sprout from HR practices" Birmingham Divorce And Family Law Attorney Family Fun In the Uk's Biggest Box of Lego Bricks at the LegoLand Discovery Centre Choosing a Family Attorney Bei Sipu family to enjoy the central sound system SH360 refined spirituality Massachusetts Divorce Alimony Family Court Judgment Stock Options Income Civil Contempt Jury Gives Family Of Child With Brain Damage $31 Million In Malpractice Case Religious developments in Bengal How Casio Pathfinder Became a Part of Casio's Family