Leaving soon to help rebuild So. California...

[Moose]

Be careful and stay safe Tonya! It's so wonderful that you will be going down there to help out.....I'm sure you're work will be greatly appreciated.

[RICHARD]

For you to come down and help us out is priceless.

I want you to be prepared to be thanked at every job site,
You'll find out that the people of SoCal are some of the warmest people you will ever meet.


I can assure you that you will want to forget the hard work you may have to do down here, but you will remember the people a lot longer.

Thanks!

[Kiia]

Please becareful while you're out there.

Keeping you in my thoughts until you return.

[captain]

Keep safe, and hurry home ...........

[rg_girlca]

Be careful and stay safe and give your hubby and son extra kisses and hugs to tide them over until you return home.

[Tonya]

Awww, thanks, everyone! I'm crying right now! I never thought of myself as a hero or anything like that...it's feels good to feel the appreciation. Your thoughts made me feel so much better about going.

I just found out that they have to fly me home every two weeks for two days to see my family. That makes me feel much better. -Except of course (if Jaden handles it ok) I won't come home while all my co-workers are away from their families.

.

Thank you so much, on behalf of all whose lives you will help restore to normal. A friend's dad was a lineman when I was growing up - is that what you do?

Karen,

I am half lineman. My job title is called a construction splicer. Gosh knows what I'll be in So California. We often help with home repair during storms. I am assuming, we'll be placing brand new cable and just scraping what is left. I am on the same crew as the linemen. I help them place the cables. The difference between myself and the linemen is that I put the wires together afterwards. I do not set poles or operate the diggers. The linemen do that. And I also build HDSL, T-1, etc... lines.

[slick]

It must be very satisfying know that your job can help others. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers until this disaster is overwith.

[Tonya]

I *may* not have to go. On Friday, the boss asked for volunteers to leave Saturday (today). I raised my hand to volunteer because it is the right thing to do.

All of the guys at work and bosses told me to put my hand down. They said I am the only mommy there and one of the few with a small child, so I should be the last one going. They told me that when they went to help with the 1989 Earthquake and the Oakland fire, it was supposed to be weeks and wound up being a year. They said that didn't want to see me get stuck away from my son that long.

They said that someone has to stay here and hold up the fort. -There will be plenty of work piling up here while everyone is gone.

So, they talked me out of it. It really made me feel special that they thought of me. Twenty five guys are leaving today to go down there. I am last on the list now, so if anything, I'll go at the very end (months from now) and relieve them.

[captain]

Tonya,

What a nice thing for him to say ...... and realise!

[KYS]

I am glad you do not have to go, and leave your family.
You are right, "somebody has to stay here and hold up the fort."

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

It sounds like you work with a VERY special bunch of people! I'm so glad that you "maybe" won't have to be away from your family after all!

[RICHARD]

Originally posted by Tonya


All of the guys at work and bosses told me to put my hand down. They said I am the only mommy there and one of the few with a small child, so I should be the last one going. They told me that when they went to help with the 1989 Earthquake and the Oakland fire, it was supposed to be weeks and wound up being a year. They said that didn't want to see me get stuck away from my son that long.

I think a cake when everyone comes back is in order.....no, not a litter box cake either

Actually,

That could be a great lawsuit......Maternal Discimination!!!!

KIDDING!!!! When kids enter the equation guys get real sappy!! How many of THEM are dads???