Change is not always easy. It can be stepping into a wonderful new venture or making a heartbreaking decision. I am caught in an emotional vortex with so many circumstances contributing to the spinning and upheavals. Two and a half years ago, I joined up with my Kwincy and Leon to begin my life on the road. It has been an amazing time covering nearly 30,000 miles, 19 states, and countless wonderful people. It has been a time of exhilaration, exhaustion, anxiety, and joy. I have said I would not trade it for anything, but now even that sentiment has been provoked.
My last three weeks in Mesa, Arizona were quite problematic healthwise for me. After having had a deep squamous cell cancer removed surgically from my lower thigh in March, additional disturbing symptoms and fatigue led to diagnoses of other possible cancers. Being far away from family, and not wanting to worry them without a sure answer, I chose to travel the road of many tests on my own. On May 10 I flew to Knoxville to be with my sister and to undergo even more tests. The bottom line is that the results of all tests were good and ruled out the dreaded C. Yes, there are a few issues, but they are treatable and non life-threatening. Praise the Lord!
Reevaluating my life style and admitting to myself that handling a 34′ fifth wheel on my own at my age is not easy and comes with many of its own challenges, I have made the decision to sell Kwincy and Leon, return to California to spend time with my mother, who is now 96 years old, and regroup as far as the type of RV would be best for me when I do return to the road. My priority right now is family.
This passed Tuesday morning, Kwincy was picked up by a transport company to drive her to a consignment lot for RVs. Sadness was overwhelming, yet, at the same time, I knew my decision to spend time with my mother was not only a gift to myself, but a gift to my brother and sisters in the form of peace of mind. I left Mesa at 8:20 a.m. and pulled up to the curb at Mom’s place in Modesto, CA at 11:20 p.m. – 15 hours with short breaks for little Mojo and me to stretch our legs.
Life on the road is on hold for now. I have been invited back to Mesa to teach another season of Spanish starting in November. I do hope to do that. In the meantime, my blog will change its focus to my genealogy endeavors. My “Come Along Kids” project will grow as I build inventory for the Christmas season.
Moments of grace: gratefulness to a God who is always there, during both the good and not so good times. Gratefulness to friends and family that have fervently supported me these passed few years. Gratefulness for good health. Gratefulness for a beautiful mother who continues to live with hope for her children. Thank you, Lord!
Wishing you nothing but peace and happiness with your decision! SO grateful that you do not have wage war against the dreaded “C”. You are one of the “good ones” Pat and God will keep you close in whatever you do!
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Thank you so much, Kelley, for the kind words of support.
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I know how much it meant to you but you have made the right decision. You can always look back and remember the fun and excitement you enjoyed. Love you.
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So glad to hear you won’t be dealing with the dreaded ‘C’, but sad you gave up the RV. Although, kudos for handling such a large fiver on your own. I would think a small Class C would be more manageable. Enjoy your time with your mother!
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Hi Ingrid – I am so long in responding; my apologies. I hope to get back o. Track now in some form. When I do return to the RV life, I believe it will be in a 17′ Minnie Winnie. We’ll see what the Lord has in store for me. How have you been?
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I’m doing fine, thanks for asking. I’m getting antsy to change things up but not sure on the direction. Loved your latest post – spot on. Couldn’t comment on it yesterday due to poor internet. Life is interesting lately and not in a good way.
A Minnie Winnie sounds perfect for your needs. Keep us posted… I was hoping you’d be returning to Mesa this winter so we could meet up for coffee.
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Hi again. Sorry to hear things are not as good as they could be. May I pray for anything in particular? I still may be in Mesa again this winter startingnthe first week of November through March. I would love to get together if we can arrange it. My blog will be back and a little more regular with my decision to return or not. So much depends on Mom’s health. You can respond to my direct email at pdugand@gmail.com.
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Welcome back to Calif. I’m sure you will miss your life on the road but your decision to be with your mother I’m sure will be a blessing. Looking forward to visiting with you. Give us a call soon!
Love Claire
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I’ll certainly miss your interesting newsletters but know and understand the wisdom in your decision.. Time spent with your mom is golden and God certainly will honor that. So glad the big “C” is not part of the decision. If possible, keep my email and sign me up for your other blog….I love your positive and thankful attitude.
Cindi Z.
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Thanks, Cindi. I apologize for the delay in responding. Hopefully, I’m back on track now. Blessings back at you!
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