The relationship between the Trucker and the Ball cap does have some happy moments in the book. But the overall theme the way it was written, was one of a somber tone. What is important to me, was that we try to capture the sadness that the trucker feels, when struggling with the fact that the truckers "Wife" has asked him to make a huge decision in his life, that he does not want to make. Sometimes its unfair to have our spouse's ask us to give up what we love, to be with them. We Marry someone and accept all that comes with them. But in this instance, Jennifer had a right to be selfish and ask me to reconsider the cost of being away from her and our two children. ... At the time, I really struggled with giving up the road. I think books "can" be sad! and still be enjoyable, "but we know" how it ends. And "that" is with acceptance of a life change for the better. The book actually has two audiences. Children and Adults. The pictures and the "Cool Hat" for the kids--------- but the life lesson for the adults. It was up to me to convey clearly what that message was. For instance the last page; "And so we part for a time" me and the this crazy hat of mine"------------- OR another--------"I had no idea how she felt about "Me" and this old hat" When I read that to myself, it wells up a lot of very deep seeded emotion from years of loving the road, trucks, loads and freedom. So in knowing this, can peace and contentment come from what was deemed at the moment, a personal tragedy and loss? The answer is YES, it turned into joy and understanding and moments with my children and Jennifer that will be forever cherished. Please enjoy the Old hat for what it is, and that's 5 minutes in the life of a die hard trucker who gave every ounce of himself to his Career.   A  retired Heavy haul truck driver. Hauling multi axle loads is my life's passion, this children's book is the direct result of all those great memories. Many more to come we hope. My wife and are also the founders of an Organization for Professional Drivers. And I create tools of a practical nature for truckers.  I chose trucking as a career because, it represented freedom, even though being in a truck was somewhat confining. I have hauled many loads throughout Canada & the lower 48 States. West Virginia 2010, This is where the concept of the book started. However it was not actually written until 14 months later. I took time to think about what was important to most people. Also how I could summarize 20 plus years of my life into a few short pages. I believe with this book, we made the more complex issues in life easy for a child to comprehend. And learn from. I hope the result is many nights of happy dreams for children everywhere, as they think about "BIG TRUCKS" "BIG LOADS" and cool truckers hats. They were  all a huge presence in my life. Someday maybe theirs too? For children everywhere, Big Rigs Rock!                                                     Best wishes, Brian.      .

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