Letter from the Wife of a Retired Highway Department Truck Driver

Bob,
I was thrilled when I read the article about loving your job and thanking our Highway Departments!

I am the wife of a retired highway department truck driver and I can vouch for his dedication to his job and community for thirty-eight years, however in essence it would equate to fifty-eight years if you added up all the overtime during his years of service - yes, years of service to you, the taxpayer.

Contrary to what the average citizen thinks, the highway guys and gals work very hard...especially during the winter months.

Most have missed time away from their family life, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, family gatherings...you name it! There were many Christmases when my husband got home just in time to see the kids open their presents and then collapse into bed after working thirty-two hours straight so other families would be safe to drive to Grandma & Grandpa's house for Christmas dinner. While most people were snug in their beds he and countless others were awake all night plowing, sanding and salting the roads over and over or running heavy equipment to haul snow away. Right about now you are thinking yes, but that is the job they chose - you're right but remember these guys and gals chose to be public servants caring not only for their neighbors safety but anyone driving through their district. I might add that a great majority are also volunteer fire fighters giving their time to the community...seems to go hand and hand.

Most "Mr & Mrs Joe Public" can't relate to that when they are getting ready to go to work and get to the end of their driveway - expecting the roads to be clear - only to find it has been plowed in...cursing the idiot highway plowers. Oh how I wish each and every taxpayer could walk - actually drive - a mile in their shoes in order to comprehend the skill it takes to operate a huge truck and snowplow in the ice, snow and let's not forget the crazy traffic - as well, remember the stamina it takes to sit in one spot and drive for countless hours going over and over the same roads.

So yes please, thank a highway guy or gal...give them a thumbs up or a meaningful wave next time you see them going by because it will make their day knowing at least one person realizes what they do to keep everyone safe on the roads. Maybe even think of them out in their big trucks on a snowy evening as you climb under your down comforter with your book in hand getting ready to go to sleep...blue collar guys and gals like them are the backbone of our communities and rarely get the thanks they deserve.

Lesley Mullaney