Ms. Lana, 52, of Wake Village, had something to prove to her husband when she did her 40 Over 40 portrait experience.

“I wanted to show my husband that I can look like a real woman and not just a greasy-handed truck driver,” she said. “He loved looking at the pictures. He had a huge smile on his face when he initially saw all of them.

“My favorite part was laughing with Rhonda while trying to balance in high heels (I normally do not wear them anymore) because I usually just have steel-toe boots on. It felt nice to be pampered. I don’t normally get so dressed up and pretty, but this was one of those once-in-a-lifetime things. I cried when I saw the pictures and my husband almost did too. It was amazing.”

Her family also includes her four children, 10.5 grandkids (one due in November), 2 dogs, 1 cat, 4 grand dogs, 1 grand kitty, and 2 grand goats.

“Although I currently drive an 18-wheeler, most of my life was in administration, but my most-heartfelt job was when I interpreted for a deaf student in college.”

On a daily basis, Lana has to prove herself in a still, very male-dominated profession.

“It’s a daily struggle to prove you know how to do your job,” she said, “and in some cases better than some of the men. And believe me, there’s nothing like driving in the mountains on ice pulling 40,000 pounds. You have to learn to trust yourself and what you can do for sure.”

Although she can sometimes make a few long, roundtrip hauls, she’s now able to be home daily working the overnight, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., shift.

“Before I changed, I was driving all over the country from the East Coast to the West Coast. I’ve been to just about every state except for a few.”

Although she’s had that experience on the road, it still doesn’t compare to what she experienced as a participant in the 40-Over-40 portrait experience.

“I can’t express how much I appreciate being a part of this. I’m so thankful I decided to do it.”

 

Just look at these beautiful ladies! Click Here!

Explore additional details about our 40 Over 40 Portrait Experience by visiting our website at http://portraitsbyrlee.com/40-over-40.