Everyday Heros

Let me start this entry by saying that I have a TON of respect for our American Soldiers. I have family in the military and I am proud to say that...

But I have a small pet peeve. Everyone always says "support our troops" and always makes an effort to thank the solider they see on the street, to tell them what a good job they're doing, etc. Yes, soldiers are heroes. Yes, they should be recognized for the fighting they do and the time they are giving up from their families. Yes, that is all well and good.

But what about America's every day heroes? People that this country could not live and thrive without? I'm talking about one of the most unappreciated and even under accepted part of our society. Truck drivers.

Your average, everyday person does not respect a truck driver. They view them as lazy, dirty, foul mouthed human beings. They not only ignore them, but sometimes go out of their way to humiliate them. The general public views them as annoying when they have to drive behind a slow truck. They take risks cutting trucks off because of the big hurry they are always in.

I want you to know something right off the bat: you would not have ANYTHING if it weren't for truck drivers. If you got it, a trucker brought it. They haul foods, goods, and even waste. If it weren't for truckers, the country we love so much wouldn't thrive.

Truckers make sacrifices everyday to help our nation thrive. When my husband leaves, one of the last things he sees and hears before getting into his rig is his oldest son crying hard, reaching out for him, and saying "daddy, don't go!" Imagine having to do that for a living.

A trucker's job isn't as easy as everyone seems to think it is. It's not just sitting in front of a steering wheel and watching the road. It's driving safely, watching closely so when you, the car, does something completely stupid and moronic you don't get hurt.

It's isolation. Only person in that cab is you and you alone. Sure, you have your cell phone to call your family, but you don't get the luxury of good night kisses and good morning hugs.

It's taxing. It's driving non stop for sometimes 10-14 hours in a day. You don't have a steady sleep schedule. When you do sleep, it's in a bed that isn't quite soft and a cab that just can't get cozy enough.

Truckers don't pick their job to be lazy. Truckers, the good ones anyways, do the job because they know that SOMEONE has to do it. They know that you wouldn't get the things you need without them.

So please, do me a favor; next time you see a trucker, whether he's driving, walking, or sitting there taking a much needed break, show him he's appreciated. Give him a thumbs up, a smile, a hug. Don't cut him off or go racing around him because he's going to slow {he's going that slow for YOUR safety}. Make him feel like the everyday sacrifices he makes are worth it. Once in a while, tell him thanks, and that you recognize him {or her} for the hero he is.