Stories from the Road: I never thought I'd write about this

[Tobin S.]

When I got into trucking, I told myself that if I were ever to start a family I wouldn't be able to be out here spending my days and nights on the road. I'd have to take a local job. I heard stories about little kids crying when daddy had to go and relationships gone bad. I couldn't put a family through that. I know some people can make it work, but I didn't think I could. It turns out that I was right.

But I never thought I'd have to worry about it. And for fourteen years I didn't. Four years ago, I did come in off the road, and for a couple of years I tried to start a family. But it didn't seem to matter what I did or what I looked like, I just couldn't make it happen. I mean, I tried really hard and made a lot of changes trying to attract someone. No dice.

So I gave up and returned to the road.

About two months ago I got an e-mail from a woman from a dating web site where I was a member. I had abandoned my profile there and hadn't been to the site in months. I thought about deleting my profile there, but never got around to it. It's a good thing. I have a real relationship with that woman now. I'm in love for the first time in my life. We seem to have been made for each other. Everything is right...except for one thing. I have this mistress named International 9400i- a semi I'm dedicated to for the next 3.5 years.

Something is going to have to give, though, and I'll be damned if it's my relationship with the woman. She has told me that it's alright and everything will work out fine, but I know how she misses me. It's getting difficult for me. I have been managing to be home a lot more, and I spend all of my free time with her. But every time I shut the truck down for the day and crawl into the bunk I get depressed.

After Christmas I'm going to start looking for a local carrier to lease my truck to. I could try to sell it, but I'd likely have to take a big hit on it to do so. The money probably won't be as good, but it doesn't seem as important to me now and I'll still get by.

If you've been wondering why there haven't been any Stories from the Road threads lately, this is why. It's all I think about. I've probably missed a couple of good stories because my thoughts were elsewhere.

[rug]

1. Stories From Home will be just as good.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

2. maybe even better

:D

Tobin, Happy to hear that you have a good problem :hug:

[siligut]

3. Your other thread made me want to ask...

But I was hesitant, so I am glad you posted. This is wonderful and getting off the road seems like only a small problem, I am sure you will overcome. I wish you well in this new relationship, really, it is very nice to hear.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. My dear Tobin...

Is there any way you can take your love with you?

I know some truckers do.

Anyway, I know you two will work it out. The main thing is you've found someone to love, who also loves you...

And it doesn't get any better than that!

:hug:

[Tobin S.]

11. No, I wouldn't ask her to do that

She is well established in life. She's got a good job, a nice place, and she loves her family and lives close to them. I wouldn't ask her to give that up, especially when it would be easier for me to change things in my life and I've got nothing holding me anywhere.

[MiddleFingerMom]

5. One of the things I most like about you is the depth of character...

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...that you display over and over and over again.
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For instance, you are simultaneously romantic and realistic... adventurous and pragmatic.
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And it still sounds like you're doing an EXCELLENT job keeping your priorities straight.
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It's almost like Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs -- you attained a higher level when you
went into business for yourself... which enabled you to attain an even higher level...
getting into a relationship that had eluded you for so long when you weren't happy
with your career choice. Whatever you decide... it doesn't look like you NEED that
self-employment on the road anymore.
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Good for you. You'll make the right decisions... of that I'm sure.
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:hug:
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[Tobin S.]

12. Thanks MFM

I appreciate the kind words. :)

[elleng]

6. Ditto what CalPeg said, and lots of us are thinking of and wishing for you.

SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!

:)

[MrScorpio]

7. Too bad you can't take her out on the road

Be one of those road couples that I see from time to time

[Tobin S.]

13. See my response to Peggy. n/t

[MrScorpio]

8. Too bad you can't take her out on the road

Be one of those road couples that I see from time to time

[seabeyond]

9. 3.5 years is not a big deal in the scheme of things. for two years my hubby's

job required he travel to work 5 days a week, making home time very limited. from the beginning it looks to be a long haul. but we adapt, and do, sacrifice and come out on the other side because that is what we need to do, the responsible choice.

if you can find a way. then good. but if not.... make the best of it, like your woman says, it can be done. and 3.5 years leave you a lot of years after that.

there was another 5 year perios (mainly 3) owning a business took the time for hubby, and left all of us, but especially the kids, with less time.

i am glad for you, that you have found someone. i wish you the best on this.

[IMATB]

10. I agree with you

That is not a lot of time. Make your money, that love will be there for you if it's the real thing. Take that time to get to know each other well and I promise, it will be worth it.

You can't live on love but you sure can save for it.

Good luck. I think it's sweet to hear you sounding so happy.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

14. wishing you all the best, Tobin

if anyone can make it work, its you. :)

[Callalily]

15. I know that you will find a

way that's the best solution for your and your new love.

Glad to hear that you have found happiness of the heart.

Will be keeping you and your significant other in my thoughts, and prayers will be focused on a solution that is best for both of you.

:hug:

[nolabear]

16. I'm happy you have this problem, Tobin. You sound happy.

Congrats to you and your lady. Just listen to yourself and you'll figure out what you want to do in this next phase of your life.