This is a little late but now feel like sharing. We traveled full time for 7 wonderful years in our RV….Great memories, unexpected adventures, made many new friends and tried to be where the sun was, which didn’t always happen. We know life is full of surprises as we have been on the receiving end of many. But we were not prepared for the events that lead up to our present circumstances. As many of you know, we were in an accident prior to Christmas this year which basically ended our “Fulltime” status of traveling. When our accident happened it was beyond devastating to us. There were so many more miles to travel, more friends to meet, and mountains to climb! Even though we periodically talked about finding someplace to park the RV for times when we needed to be stationary for a while, we didn’t plan on it ending like this. WE WERE TRULY HOMELESS! An RV that has been totaled and no place to call home. Now what do we do? During the many moments of uncertainty I could hear a voice, feel a presence, telling me that this could be the time to reconsider our plans for the future. A voice that we succumbed to. I truly believe angels walk among us. Because we found ours. Kevin and Peg Anderson (Sara’s Dad and wife) were in the south, enjoying the much sought after sunshine, heard about our dilemma, and graciously offered their home in Michigan to us, for the time we needed to find a place of our own. Now you tell me God didn’t have a plan for us! Thank you from the bottom of hearts Kevin and Peg.
Fast forward some months….we are starting to feel more settled in our home and realizing how great it is to be “home”, be with our kids and families, visits from our friends and the joy of spending time with our grandkids…and now, great grandkids. Our travel days are not over but it will be for shorter periods of time with destinations unknown. Sometimes our brains actually rule over our hearts and help us make decisions we may not make listening to our hearts! Such as in this case. We have had some pretty awesome moments since coming back home with more in the immediate future. My sweet and loving daughter, Janis and husband Trent, welcomed us into their home shortly after we made it back to Michigan. It felt so good to be in their presence again. They always have a way of making us feel special. It was just what we needed. Their warm hospitality helped put us at ease. And while there, we got to see our handsome grandson, Cody, if only for a short time, who is busy studying getting ready for college graduation. We were near by when our beautiful granddaughter, Makayla and Ryan, gave birth to their first child and we were able to meet Maren Mae shortly after. What a true blessing. We found a house rather quickly, thanks to our realtor extraordinaire daughter-in-law, Sara, and getting it closed in a very short time. Getting to see and spend time with my youngest granddaughter Grace makes my heart sing and swell with pride. And now she is an adult living a life filled with adult obligations and spending much of her free time with her “love”. How can that be!? Where did the time go?
We made a trip downstate to see Rob’s sons and families. It always a funtime when we are with them. The trip was made extra special by attending the wedding shower of our granddaughter Julia and groom-to-be, Larry. Time has moved quickly as we will be attending the much anticipated wedding in 2 weeks. How exciting. But the excitement doesn’t end there. Also in the same time frame Malloy and Dan, Robs 1st granddaughter, will be giving birth to the first great grandchild. Boy? Girl? Only time will tell. While down for the visit we were able to see all the grandkids too. It has become very difficult to get them all together now that they are all busy adults with jobs and obligations.
We were here to help celebrate the 1st birthday for our great grandson, Ryder John, and spend time with his ever smiling and adorable sister, Raegan and their Mom and Dad, Abby and Chad. And of course, also helping celebrate were our other adorable and fast growing grandsons, Czerney and Leland, with Mom and Dad, Marley and Austen.We have missed a lot in all their busy lives.
Now let me not forget my son Jason, who has been right by our side from the onset of this fiasco. He flew to FL to help us pack up our motorhome, he then drove the Uhaul home to Michigan and then helped us unpack everything into a storage unit. After finding a house, he has been here helping us through some rough times as we remodel. He is doing all this while fulfilling his own obligations (which are many) as a builder, husband, father and grandfather. I don’t know what we would do without his help. We were invited over for Easter to spend time with his family and dinner. As usual, it was an amazing meal that he prepared for all of us (17 to be exact). It was so very good, and then there was dessert! Wow. It was absolutely delicious; carrot cake made from scratch! My very favorite cake. He also made another dish that looked, and was I was told, tasted equally as good. This family is lucky to have their own personal chef! Thank you Jason for all that you do for us and for sharing your talents with us. We love you all so deeply and are so grateful for you.
This weekend we will be making a trip to Kalamazoo so I can attend a tea at the church my daughters family attends. Janis will be taking part in the preparation and presentation. My granddaughter and great granddaughter will also be there so you all know it will be a great time for me.
What does the future hold for us? Lots of work on the house and yard. Something we haven’t done in a long time. But first we must buy before we can use! We are at peace with life again and are blessed to be with loved ones and be in good health…we won’t talk about the new aches and pains we have from using muscles we haven’t used in a long time though. All in all, life is good.
As a reminder though let’s be thankful for where we are, and what we have.
Spring is here. Get out out and smell the fresh air, listen to the sounds of nature and don’t forget to look up, it’s amazing out there!
