This May Be It For Me

Hang in there Chris, take as much time as you need to make the best decision for you in both the short and long term. Personally I'm not sure I'd be able to get behind the wheel again. I've spoken to other drivers that have been involved in fatal accidents or witnessed it occur and you can tell it sticks with them. Getting help is absolutely needed, and there's nothing to be ashamed of. Please keep us updated on your well being and if there's anything we can do to help you get through this tough time.

Personally I'm not sure I'd be able to get behind the wheel again

I'm totally cool with this, and I believe this would be true for many people. Anyone's reaction to an event of this magnitude will be intensely personal.

I just wanted to share, for Chris's sake, that I'd be able to get behind the wheel again, and I would. It wouldn't be easy, of course. You'd have to work through the emotions. But nothing worth doing in life is easy, and getting your life and career back after a major event like this would be difficult but worth doing.

I only say this so Chris doesn't think the "expected" or "normal" reaction would be to quit driving. I don't want to see him quit driving. I want to see him recover from this and go on to live an incredible life. In my life, the way I was raised, the normal or expected reaction would be to dust yourself off and get back out there. Life has its setbacks, some of which will be massive, but the goal is to overcome them and come back stronger than ever.

Chris, to be clear, no one here expects you to do anything other than what's right for you in your life. Rob and I both gave our opinions, so it's clear that each of us would handle this in our own way, and that's to be expected. We will support your decision 100% either way.

Chris, I hope you’re improving. Could you give us an update ?

Update: after first therapy session I had to go into detail and my therapist wants me to take a small break couple days to a week. She said that I have been trucking a while and could probably truck for a lot longer so she wants me to try to relax and try again. I was able to get some sleep last night for the first time since the accident, and if I didn't start sleeping I was going to be on a short term sleeping medication because sleep is supposed to help with the brain relaxing and mental healing. Thanks for the support again

Good to hear, Chris! Thanks for the update. I'm sure glad you are able to get some sleep. That's awesome progress.

Keep taking little steps forward Chris. This will be a process. Just stick with the process and you will soon know what is best for you to do.

Thanks for updating us!

Chris,

I would say the last thing that you should be concerned about is trucking. Obviously this life event had a significant emotional impact on you. This will affect you regardless of whether you return to trucking.

You have already taken the necessary steps to leverage resources for mental health. Pursue that path for your mental health and figure out the returning to trucking aspect later.

Chris,

I would say the last thing that you should be concerned about is trucking. Obviously this life event had a significant emotional impact on you. This will affect you regardless of whether you return to trucking.

You have already taken the necessary steps to leverage resources for mental health. Pursue that path for your mental health and figure out the returning to trucking aspect later.

Totally agree with this. Trucking will always be there, take your time.

Hang in there Chris and keep doing what you’re doing. I know I’d have a hell of a time if your situation happened to me and it’s something that’s crossed my mind several times in the past. Fwiw man please don’t let yourself believe that if you hadn’t pulled out it wouldn’t have happened.The truth is you have no idea what would have happened if you hadn’t pulled out and they likely would’ve hit and hurt someone else. I know it doesn’t necessarily make it feel better but I believe the truth is the best place to start so please don’t load undue guilt on yourself. It’s unfortunate that they made the choice to drive so recklessly and while I’m glad no one else was physically hurt by them I’m so sorry you are having to deal with the consequences of their actions.

Please keep checking in if it helps you. We all understand and feel for you as it could’ve happened to any one of us