@Hip4life I am humbled by your kind words but it ain't been easy. Lol.
To quote the Grateful Dead song...'What a Long Strange Trip it's been.'
Truck driving is a very isolating career which some people can take just fine but it's sheer torture for others. I found it to be like life. You have your route all planned out, fuel tanks full, tires in great shape and you're feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as you start your trip...then BOOM! Road closures, severe weather, tire blowouts and breakdowns in the middle of nowhere! So many life and death decisions are made in just the course of one day. When I started driving the truck and right till I retired (which was 2 years ago last week) I finished up my day/night by setting my brake, putting my feet on the ground and saying thank you...for not hitting anything and for not hurting anyone, including myself, lol.
Well, I had my retirement all planned out too...a little gold prospecting, a little rock collecting and of course taking photos of our beautiful feathered friends...then BOOM!
Never, ever, EVER did I imagine this hip thing! Just another bump in the road I guess.
Oh, BTW, remember I said I saw my old friend and we were both happy to see the other one still alive? We've all known each other 40+ years, through so many deaths and divorces. I found out the woman who introduced me to the rocks and minerals in this area passed away last year. I remember how I laughed inside when I first saw her digging around in the dirt thinking what in the world? Then I saw them! Their light glistened and called to me and it was love at first sight. I said I want to die right here and here I am.
I am happy to know all of you here, it was just what I needed to help me get through this and to continue the fight as well.
Much love.