[ironeagle_2006]

Hobo look into Earl Henderson out of IL also they would Love to get a driver like you. Why you live on one of their Primary lanes aka I40 so getting you home would NOT be an issue.

[golfhobo]

Thanks for the tips GMAN and I.E. I've also considered Andrus. There was a time when I really wanted a company that drove the "Western Eleven." But... I'm reconsidering since I really hate the idea of chaining up. lol. There's also Mesilla Valley Transport out of Las Cruces (but their trucks are a bit on the slow side.) Anyway... I believe I read where they have several runs that come right here to NC and back. That might help me see the parents sometimes.

My "plan" was to buy a truck in about 3 years anyways. I may just have to move that up to sometime in the next year or so. I want the freedom to choose my loads a bit more. Stay out of the snow, get to NC occasionally, and do the speed limit (especially out West!)

[ironeagle_2006]

Hobo with what Fuel costs anymore even the Bedbuggers anymore are running 65 or Less. Heck near me in the LR area I saw a guy pulling for Passport Transport get passed by a PRIME truck. Pressing that GO pedal real hard anymore is not as fun as it used to be with what Fuel costs are. Heck my wife who I swear is Ms. Mario Andretti at times barely breaks 65 in a 70 anymore.

[GMAN]

You may check with Knight. They run all over. They also have a yard in Las Vegas.

[Roadhog]

Should make him stay put and pay off that big loan first.
Bet he finds a way to pay that off in less than a year. Then he can move.

…..tough love.

If you let him play Grandpa, he's gonna blow all his money. I know I would.

[golfhobo]

Not much to update right now, but.... I'm leaving next Wednesday to go back to ABQ for her second wedding. Maybe, I'll post a pic of me in my TUX! She got her new house built... and the old one sold. So... she's obviously staying in ABQ for awhile.

We don't talk AS MUCH these days, but she's really busy. But, it is always good when we do talk. She really wants me in her (and the kids) lives! And that means a lot to me. In fact... I don't think I ever had a choice about being there for the wedding! lol.

Lincoln lost his first (two) teeth a few weeks ago, and Lana said, "Let's send a picture to Grampa Dennis!" What more could I ask?

Things are kinda falling apart at work, so... I better start looking out there with a bit more "intention."

If I make a change now, it would either be to buying and leasing on... or at least stepping up to a private carrier if possible. And, I think it is time for me to go solo.

[golfhobo]

Well... the wedding was great. Although I didn't get to give her away, I WAS escorted down the aisle to a front row seat as "one" of the parents. It was important to her that I be included. When it came time for them to light the "unity candle," guess who the closest (almost only) SMOKER in the room was? lol! [someone with a lighter]

I stayed at the Hotel Andaluz where the wedding was held. Had a very posh room in what was Conrad Hilton's first hotel (built in 1939) though now operated as an independent. 15 minutes before showtime, I realized I didn't know how to put on this FAKE tie that came with the tux! Should've just let me tie my own! Thankfully, the concierge was able to locate someone to come help dress me!

Had a wonderful conversation with her adopted dad Louis during the picture taking time. He is a very nice guy... and I'm so happy for that. Unfortunately, my EX pretty much (though not totally) ignored me through the whole thing. I would have liked to have a few NICE words with her.

All told... I had a great time. I'm not a big fan of weddings, but this one was special to me. Of all the things I missed in her life as she was growing up (including her FIRST marriage,) at least I can say I saw her get married. And of course, having my grandkids be ring-bearer and flower girl was just icing on the cake!

I'll be adding my facebook login to my sigline in the near future... in case anyone wants to see pictures. But, I have to wait for her to return from the honeymoon before I can get and post most of them.

As always... my immense and continued gratitude to so many of you who have cared and advised me through this search... and now... re-connection with my daughter. I couldn't/wouldn't probably have done it without you.

[freebirdrfd]

It's good to hear that things are still going good between the two of you

[GMAN]

It is good to hear that you and your daughter are still close and things are going well. At least you are your daughter's "other" dad are getting along, even if her mother does ignore you. I think she probably resents that your daughter wanted to find you and may even be jealous of your relationship. How is the job change working out for you?

[golfhobo]

Update: Summer 2014

What a year! What a change in my life! it was actually more like 16 months ago that I first saw my (adult) daughter face to face. With a week in March "planned," I had the opportunity to be coming thru ABQ one weekend night about a week or two before that! She had all but INSISTED that I take that opportunity for us to meet. Probably a good choice, as it allowed her to bring "backup" in the presence of her best friend.

I will never forget that night as long as I live. Then... a week or two later, she came out here and spent a week with "us." She must have felt like a fish in a bowl! Everyone wanted to talk to her, ask her questions, shower love and adoration on her. I, unfortunately, needed to 'prove myself' to her... and she perhaps, felt the same way. We butted heads a little bit... but, came out of it with a good feeling about each other.

Then... there was the 5 days at the beach with the kiddos in early June. Stressful, maybe... but, a time for reconciliation and family bonding. It went pretty well, I think.

Went out there for a few days over Christmas, and had to share the kiddos with their "dad." But, it all went well. VERY well.

Went back in April for the wedding. She was NOT going to let me miss it.... and, I didn't want to! An experience I will NEVER forget.

THIS summer, the kids came east with their father. But, I was allowed (again, more like "encouraged") to come and spend time for my grandson's birthday in early June. THIS.... through the grace and understanding of their father (and his fiance.) Had a GREAT weekend with the kiddos and their father. Nothing beats standing around the grill with a beer in your hand and "hashing" out histories with your former Son-in-law (that wasn't.) lol. [I'll NEVER tell how much he told me about my daughter! lol.]

Tomorrow.... I will accept their second generous opportunity to spend some time with the kiddos at the NC ZOO. (they have a busy summer lined up with other family. I am blessed to have this chance.) It may rain... but, I just don't care! I'll be THERE!

Then, comes the end of summer, and HER time to drive out here and take them home for the rest of the year. They will be with their father and family members in Ocean City, MD for that last week of the summer. I don't think we will get to see them until the "handover" on the last day. But... WE will also be there that week! Me and her... and her new husband. My niece may also make an appearance (and maybe my nephew and his wife.) They all live in the Baltimore area.

I will miss my grandkiddos for this week.... but, I will get something I haven't gotten yet! 7 whole days with (mostly) just my daughter! REAL TALK! lol! Maybe an adult conversation or three! lol. Time to bond? Time to heal? Time to show her that my priority relationship is with HER?

I think she already knows that. She certainly seems to understand and appreciate it. And I believe... she has reciprocated to the extent that she can. In fact... she has "come around" to the point that she openly expresses her LOVE for me... and her unconditional "acceptance."

That is ALL I ever wanted. MORE than I thought I deserved or could expect. A blessing 30 years in the making.

I KNOW I keep saying I owe it all to you guys. But... that really IS true. You have no idea how LOW I was at that time. After seeing how beautiful her life was without me, it WOULD have been my inclination to, yet again, stand on the sidelines and "observe." Not wanting to disturb, willing to settle for a glimpse of her life (and what MIGHT have been for me.)

I would have "survived" (and been better off than I WAS.) I always have. But, I would never have learned to smile again.

YOU GUYS/GALS made me believe that it was possible. That it was necessary. That it was worth the risk.

I asked a question that I thought would NEVER come up. One that would complicate my life immensely. One I couldn't quite get agrippa on! lol.

And my CAD "family" didn't fail me! And for that... I love each and every one of you! And that is why I will always BE here. [sorry about that.] lol.