Have you ever pondered the meaning of your last name? Have you ever thought about where you come from? What about the ways you can make a difference as a member of your family?

As we near the “haul-iday” season, focusing on family is important—whether it be biological or found family. It can be helpful to know about your family and your ancestry, because through it, you can build a sense of identity and purpose.

Prime driver Buddy Gray provided some insights regarding the importance of family.

Help children understand where they came from

One of the easiest methods of putting down where your family comes from is by creating a family tree! It can feature all the brothers, sisters, grandmas, grandpas, sisters, and cousins you want. That might mean a lot of branches and leaves!

In the process of creating a family tree, you might learn something, too.

Make the time to go see your family

“You’ll be surprised the smile you can put on someone’s face when you haven’t seen them in a while,” Buddy said.

While both of his parents have passed away, he shared some memories he had when they were still alive. He said his mother was his “biggest worrier,” and would call him anytime she saw a truck wreck on TV.

As a truck driver, making the time to not only talk to family, but to actually see family is important. You never know when the next time you see them will be.

Family is more important than the work you do

Family is always important, according to Buddy. He says that it’s important to prioritize your family.

“If there was something that happened, I’d be there in a heartbeat,” Buddy said. “(My wife and I) talk every day to our family, especially on my wife’s side. I talk to my mother-in-law when I get the chance … and (I) try to see my siblings.

“That’s where drivers need to find that time: You’ve got to make the time to see (family),” he continued.

Figure out what your priorities are when it comes to family. As an over-the-road driver, prioritizing helps you stay organized and determine what you truly value.

Learning about your family history gives you a sense of identity

“When you start going into it,” Buddy said, “you see the differences in how you were raised.”

Buddy was raised by two deaf parents, so the most common language utilized was American Sign Language. His mother’s side of the family is Lebanese, so Buddy is “half Lebanese, half American Indian.” Throughout his life, Buddy has tried to learn more about his family’s history, and he has found it has given him a sense of identity.

Don’t forget about found family

“Prime is my second family,” Buddy said. “We always say that Prime is a home away from home. They make you feel like you’re at home.”

Family doesn’t always have to be the ones you’d include in a family tree! Family can also mean friends, coworkers and other bonds you’ve formed throughout your life. Sometimes, these bonds can be stronger than the bonds between your blood family.

Use technology to your advantage

When it comes to staying close to family, now is easier than ever. You can use technology to learn about your family’s history through archived information and ancestry websites, and you can stay connected to family while over-the-road through technology.

When communicating with his aunt, Buddy utilizes teletype (voice to typing and back to voice). When it comes to other members of his family, such as his grandkids, he uses Facetime.

“It’s a blessing that there’s phones and Facetime for face-to-face conversations,” Buddy said.

Final Words

Ultimately, both learning about your family history and strengthening the bonds of your close family are both ways you can develop your own personal identity as an over-the-road driver.

“If you have the time to go see your kids, do it,” Buddy said. “Don’t let your job get in the way of your family. A job is easy to get, family is hard to replace.”