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3rd Christmas away from home.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Professional-Trucker, Dec 23, 2012.

Page 1 of 6
  1. Dec 23, 2012 #1
    Professional-Trucker

    Professional-Trucker Heavy Load Member

    820
    215
    Oct 31, 2011
    California
    0
    Unfortunately this will be my 3rd Christmas away from home. I made enough money to cover all my bills this month, but Christmas will be late at my house.


    I have 3 kids all under the age of 7. I called them and told them i was bringing home presents for everyone. My wife was a little upset (just because it was Christmas) although she is ok with any other day of the year, with me being gone and all. My kids don't seem to know enough to care. But they are REALLLY excited about all the stuff i bought for them. I sent multimedia pictures over the phone so they can see what i bought them. I spent around $100 and covered all 3 ( i still need to get the wife something).

    Anyways, i love my career and being a trucker. It has provided for my family, and all the things we own. My wife and i have been together for 8 years. The first year of me working otr was the hardest, after that it has become the norm. It's like, i'll be out for 2-3 weeks and then like, "hi honey, i'm home". It's not like we sit there and talk for hours, because we talk daily, about 5-10 times a day while i'm out. So usually, we go out to the drive-in, theater, dinner, theme park, or whatever. So it's ok. Sort of.

    My company told me i was going to get home for Christmas. Some how, some way, it just isn't happening. I'll get home, but, maybe a day or so late. I ran as an owner operator early this year so i kind of have an idea on the hows and whys and whos.

    But anyway, Merry Christmas everyone, and God Bless you.
     
    Professional-Trucker, Dec 23, 2012
    Professional-Trucker, Dec 23, 2012
    #1
    road_runner, Snowshoes, Ultra7 and 2 others Thank this.
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  3. Dec 23, 2012 #2
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

    14,963
    29,154
    Oct 3, 2011
    Longview, TX
    0
    The last few places I worked, drivers were offered "bonuses" ($200-$500) to stay out between Dec 22 and Jan 3. Plus ample parking and ample freight .. was always on board with that.
     
    STexan, Dec 23, 2012
    STexan, Dec 23, 2012
    #2
  4. Dec 23, 2012 #3
    jbatmick

    jbatmick Road Train Member

    2,197
    2,504
    Dec 1, 2009
    hastings, Fl
    0
    Merry Christmas, my friend. Trucking is like that at times. Just be sure your company remembers what you did, and they throw a bone your way for doing it sometime.. And bless your family for being so understanding.
     
    jbatmick, Dec 23, 2012
    jbatmick, Dec 23, 2012
    #3
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  5. Dec 23, 2012 #4
    Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

    4,059
    9,337
    Jan 30, 2012
    Charlotte, N.Carolina
    0
    was lucky and never did Christmas out, but many a Thanksgiving was spent eating turkey at a t/s. birthdays for the kids was held when I got home. they don't seem mentally scarred.lol.
    youngest is now 29.

    Have a Merry Christmas.
     
    Numb, Dec 23, 2012
    Numb, Dec 23, 2012
    #4
    Professional-Trucker and Joetro Thank this.
  7. Dec 23, 2012 #5
    twolane

    twolane Medium Load Member

    468
    252
    Dec 16, 2010
    Arizona
    0
    For me,,,the whole world STOPs for Christmas!!!!!
    I'm home no matter what. Never missed one tho it was close a couple times.
    Granted I never drove someone elses truck but if I had been,,,I'da went home anyway!
    Wifes right to be upset!
    You ain't there!

    God bless ya back! The Lord may forgive ya,,,but she won't.

    If yer loaded, get the load off then head for home! Be there!...and if that company gives ya any s#!t about it,,,find another job. JMHO.

    Merry Christmas to ALL of ya!
     
    twolane, Dec 23, 2012
    twolane, Dec 23, 2012
    #5
    psychocreep and chalupa Thank this.
  8. Dec 23, 2012 #6
    Blue02celi

    Blue02celi Road Train Member

    1,230
    289
    Aug 3, 2007
    Melbourne, FL
    0
    from the military to moving out of state from my family and now trucking i've grown used to not being with family on the holidays, heck if I was ever with them for the holidays it would seem kinda weird to me at this point. but, I am also single, no kids, no spouse so I'm sure its totally different for those with an actual family. I always tell friends and they say its so sad to know that I don't have a place to call home (since I have no reason to pay rent for an apartment I'm never in) or ever with my family for holidays or birthdays, its never really bothered me much.
    Hope you get to see your kids and wife sooner than later
    Merry Christmas all
     
    Blue02celi, Dec 23, 2012
    Blue02celi, Dec 23, 2012
    #6
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  9. Dec 23, 2012 #7
    thedrifter

    thedrifter Medium Load Member

    522
    263
    May 23, 2010
    portland or.
    0
    that is 3 to many away if you have kids. I will stay out over any other holiday. I will be home for xmas no if ands or buts. I have left trucks. (with intent to go back to them) over xmas. in 30 yrs I missed one xmas at home. i made it home the day after.I didn't go back out for that guy.
     
    thedrifter, Dec 23, 2012
    thedrifter, Dec 23, 2012
    #7
    twolane Thanks this.
  10. Dec 23, 2012 #8
    Triletter

    Triletter Light Load Member

    296
    58
    Aug 30, 2012
    0
    When I was in the military I missed 3 Christmas's in a row. I was married for almost 15 yrs before we had as many anniversaries together as apart. Birthdays and other kid events won't even count. Haven't missed any since retirement, but getting ready to go OTR after my second retirement. Doesn't make it any easier, but know that you are providing for them. More than happy to volunteer for the holidays when I get out there so others can be with their families since been there, done that and no sense for other to do it if I am willing. Have a very Merry and a happy New Year and just know your family is just happy to have you. Hang in there!
     
    Triletter, Dec 23, 2012
    Triletter, Dec 23, 2012
    #8
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  11. Dec 23, 2012 #9
    twolane

    twolane Medium Load Member

    468
    252
    Dec 16, 2010
    Arizona
    0
    Welcome home mister!

    Merry Christmas back!
     
    twolane, Dec 23, 2012
    twolane, Dec 23, 2012
    #9
    NavigatorWife Thanks this.
  12. Dec 23, 2012 #10
    SHO-TYME

    SHO-TYME Road Train Member

    3,425
    3,179
    Apr 20, 2011
    Dahlonega, GA
    0
    I've spent enough Christmas' on the road. I'll be at home,(I'm single) but this is the 5th year I can't get back to Iowa from Christmas.
     
    SHO-TYME, Dec 23, 2012
    SHO-TYME, Dec 23, 2012
    #10
    NavigatorWife Thanks this.
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