After 41 years of ...driving truck,...I began to see the truck driving me..I was able to salvage a 31 year pension, in spite of a break-in-service where I was convinced I'd be a millionaire owning my own trucks.
...(...anyone want to know what it's like owning your own trucks,....well,.....I can tell you it's cheaper,...and less painful,...to buy a ball-peen hammer, and strike yourself in the forehead every time you think about owning trucks...)........
25 of those years were with ABF. And,....yes, they flew by.
I got out with my health in reasonably good shape. I watched many Brothers get out hurt, ...like Bro. Von.....This job is the proverbial young man's job.....Unfortunately, many of us Old Men are under the illusion that we're just as strong, and "springy" as we were 10 years ago. The companies,...facing a driver shortage of their own making,.......are more than happy to encourage that illusion.
Just had my One Year Anniversary. That flew by, also..........I've got many projects going..(at my pace, finally...) and with four children,....three married with grandkids,...and one active duty in the Mediterranean,.....I'm pestering them more than ever...
My Best Friend (Wife..) and I are travelling to all those places I saw years ago when I ran the road , and said to myself: "Boy, I wish my wife could see this..."
...(...she thinks my driving is atrocious,...because I'm still driving like I've got 45,000 in a trailer behind me.....Might take years to "detox" on that habit...).....
Enjoy yourself, Brother Muler.......Out of any occupation,...this is one where you can truly say you Earned it.......(...or survived it..)..
Retire,.....go disable the left turn signal on your car,....buy some High-Water pants and a Flat Hat,.......and I'll meet you at McDonalds every morning at 6:30 so we can "fix" the world's problems........
Seriously,....Congratulations, Brother!