WOW!  The difference a few months can make. I had spent sometime going over old blogs and realized I was heading for a date with a gun to the head if not worse. I would have seen it as an answer in that state of mind no question.
  Well during a trip leading up to Easter Weekend, I had a real bad scare. I got super sick and barley made it back to the Barn. Then on top of that, I booked off the next few days, which I NEVER do. I spent Good Friday, and Easter weekend at home. Dad was coming down from Boston soon and I was glad. Dad is my best friend and I needed him to talk to. Well the Best Friend did not show but my Father DID. Turned out I needed him more than a friend. We have always been upfront with each other in my years since teenager. He knows how bad things are or how good. He can ask me questions and knows I won't hold back. This is needed. Mom did not come down this time. I love my Mom, but Dad and I could not have been as open or frank if she had been here. We covered and amazing amount of territory over the 9 days he was here. The results are good.
  I am going into retirement, and shutting down my life on the road. Thirty Years and 4 Million Miles is long enough. Pretty neat for 45 years old. The body is showing the abuse of the road and almost 20 years of HIV/AIDS related problems and it is time. I will always tell wanna be Truckers something along this line. The road will reject you almost right away if she does not like you. However, if she likes you, she asks for only one thing in return......YOUR LIFE!  I made a good living on the road. Bought a house, ran a successful trucking company that I owned,and when it came time, made sure Thom could die at home.
  Dad showed me that now it is time to look after me and do what Thom did not do. Live a life after working. Thom worked until he couldn't, and I always will respect that choice. The time after he could not work was all decline. Slow loss of all function and at the end total dependence on friends and I. I did have my days where I wanted to run and run fast, but stuck it out because he was my Mate. Thom would hate to see me go the same way. Dad as much said so. So the new life is in the beginning  stages. 
     First is to back away from the road. That is already happening. Next is to get on SSI, I need to go that route sadly as the body is truly not in great shape. I am 40+ pounds under weight right now, and have trouble getting around. The house is still an issue but not like it was. I could walk a way and be OK with it. Strange in fact, I am OK with all the changes that are needed. Thom is probably looking down and saying about time. The 5th Wheel is a good size and comfortable. Southern Comfort Camp is a great place, and has great people in it Full Time, and those that come on weekends. 
   I am at peace there. Welcome, and taking care of. I get to cook again. Relax when I need it or "putter" when I want to. The hardest part has been to finally let people not just offer the help, but actually take it. Should be a needed change, strange for me, but needed, and actually welcomed.