"Like being home with family," is how a trucking team described the service they received at the Rockwall TA, when they stopped there for three days recently. George Gotzmeister and Gloria Penney pulled into the Rockwall TA at I-30 and Route 205, just east of Dallas, on Dec. 29, 2003.

"We couldn't reload until Dec. 30, so we parked it at the TA," Gotzmeister said. "The employees were all concerned for our long stay and quick to assist us in finding places to have an evening out."

Geraldine Lenamond, customer service rep in the convenience store, even offered to drive the pair to the restaurant they chose, on her way home from her shift.

"I'm into people pleasing," said Lenamond, who has worked for TA for two years. "I love the customers and I love what I do. We put forth a team effort here, and that's what it takes." Gotzmeister and Penney, who are based in Ontario, Canada, said they were impressed with the efforts of all of the Rockwall staff, particularly Lenamond.

"We were very grateful not just for the ride, but for the trust and kind spirit she showed," Gotzmeister said. "We did offer to pay her, but her answer was, 'Then it would take away from the joy of helping.'"