Why We Travel

On New Year's Eve, as I prepared to ring in the upcoming year with my loved ones, a sharp pain in my chest replaced any festive spirit. At first, I brushed it off as another anxiety attack - something I'd experienced before. But the emergency room doctor's diagnosis was far more serious: a heart attack. Four stents later, that piercing chest pain became a stark wake-up call, jolting me into a harsh realization of my own mortality.

This brush with death completely changed how I saw life. I found myself craving more time with my family, wanting to break free from the daily grind and create lasting memories for my grandkids - something they'd remember long after I was gone. That's when the idea of full-time RV travel took root.

I'd always enjoyed camping and outdoor activities, having traveled quite a bit before settling down. So we made a bold choice. My grandkids were already homeschooled, my daughter worked remotely, I'd retired early, and we had income from a rental property. Why not try living in an RV full-time? We'd save on home upkeep costs - no utilities or other expenses. We sold our beloved home, packed with memories, and traded it for life on the open road. Everything else went into storage. It was a leap of faith, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hit a snag with shelter-in-place orders and ended up spending a month at an RV park in Alabama. Luckily, it was perfect for our needs, with plenty to keep us busy!

Once travel restrictions eased and places started reopening, we packed our trailer full of essentials and set off into the unknown, hearts brimming with excitement. We faced challenges and learned as we went, but each obstacle only made us more determined. We picked up tips to share with others interested in this lifestyle. We learned to go with the flow and enjoy the spontaneity of RV living. We discovered hidden gems, met other travelers, and shared many laughs at various campgrounds.

My grandkids thrived in this new way of life. They learned about their own culture and others, had fun at theme parks, kayaked on lakes across the country, made new friends, explored nature, and spent quality time with their Nana, often just fishing together. We taught them important life lessons through real experiences, not textbooks.

The heart attack that almost took my life became the start of an exciting new chapter filled with adventure, love, and precious memories as we continue our travels. It taught us to live each day fully, enjoy life's simple pleasures, and focus on what really matters - family love.