The last night of the convention as we're all sitting around talking we all didn't want to sleep. I'll remember getting up the next morning missing some and rushing down to see the rest of you still there. I'll remember the wonderful things that were said and the joy of meeting all of you.
~ Cindy

Posted on the ATW forums.
July 11, 2007 by mjinsa

Why Convention?
Well I will tell you that even though we commune here on the board, there is nothing like being together. Here are some things I discovered that just totally blew me away...

1. One member flew for the first time just to go to ATW Convention.
2. Someone drove long distance by herself for the first time.
3. We were treated like queens at the hotel by the General Manager.
4. A wonderful singer/songwriter (Rob Anthony) performed his new hit about OUR lifestyle and felt it was a privilege to do it.
5. The hug of another ATW member is extreme empowerment.
6. My trucker is the reason why I am here.
7. Through extreme hardship, an ATW member found peace because of what Kelly has developed.
8. A non-trucking person has decided to pursue a trucker husband - LOL!!!!

There are these things and more that I wish I could express in words but it is difficult. All are loved here at ATW and when we get together it is a most powerful force that makes a huge difference in this world. Hopefully more of you can join us in the future and show everyone what we are truly standing for - Respect for what our truckers do!
~ M.J.

This was read to us at convention this year. Talk about a life altering realization for me.
Debi, you are an amazing, bright, beautiful, strong woman, and if you ever begin to doubt that, just call one of us, and we will remind you!!
All my love,
Kelly

One night, I was sitting alone, contemplating ending my life. I was bearing a great weight and truly felt the world in general would be better off without me in it. But being the fighter I am, I went searching - one last time - for one person I could connect with, one person who might understand.

What I found - by sheer luck - was not only a lifeline in my time of need, but true friendship. (Something I had truly come to doubt even existed.)

Because of a simple idea I am alive today! Because of an afterthought my life is worth living for the first time.

I won't pin my salvation on a single person, but in my heart, I owe a huge debt, one I can never repay, to a simple idea from an amazing lady.
Thank you Kelly!

~ Debi

I flew for the very first time. The flight including the layover in Atlanta went as scheduled with no problems, so I consider that very special.
I have to say the best memory I have from convention is simply meeting everyone. I had "known" most for more than a year through ATW, but meeting everyone did not feel odd in the least. I felt like I was seeing friends after being apart not meeting them for the first time.
~ Jo Ann

Tuesday morning as we left the hotel one by one to catch planes or head out on the road home, tears were the main ingredient on the menu. How do you sum up meeting phenomenal women with amazing stories and lives. We met as women and parted as friends. I love you all!
Thanks to everyone who made this convention a HUGE success.
~ Kelly

I was just remembering all the great friends I made and the fun we had. How everyone helped me with no questions asked and how great the convention was. There was one time I was wheeling myself back to the conference room, and here comes Stacy and she grabbed a hold of my chair and we were running down the hallway. It was great.  I cant say enough about how I feel about all of the ladies, the support and great friendships I have made. I just want to say a special thank you to my darling husband James and Cindy, Deb for setting the whole thing up. Love you guys.
~ Debbie F.

Narrowing down convention into a few memories seems almost impossible. Right from the day I was leaving my house (and all the chaos figuring out what to do in the absence of my driving partner) it was a life altering/life affirming experience. For me it was a journey back to myself. In meeting these other wonderful women whom I found had much more in common than our DH’s occupations I have never been so lucky in my life, both literally and figuratively. Moments that stand out….hmm which ones…..I guess driving through Chicago in rush hour screaming “Yeee Haw Cowgirl” just to keep myself going and knowing that intrstrace and Atruckerswife were waiting with phones in hand should I need them to talk me down, flying Tony (or attempting to) at the fairgrounds with Bims, picking out the door prizes I was hopping to win and going home with them all late night talks with Restless(and her sticky fingers lol), Kelly’s Angels, the genuine love and concern Stacy showed me, and Dincy’s reaction when I walked back into the pub after attempting to go to bed on the last night. All these moments and so many more helped me to remember who I am. I am not just a trucker’s wife, a mommy, and the kitchen lady at the school. Deep deep down inside I am still the PPSG!!!
~ Jennine

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