Following serendipity at every turn is an interesting game we’ve been playing for the past several years. It’s not about taking every opportunity that comes up, but rather creating a life that allows us to both be in tune with the possibilities, and being agile enough to follow the ones we choose.
Every so often we shake our magic serendipity ball, and nothing happens. Approaching the end of 2011, that’s exactly where we were. No plans. Hardly any ideas.
We enjoyed an excellent Christmas with both our parents under one roof. And we attended the Arcadia Bus Rally bringing in the New Year with dear friends.
Just before we were pulling out of the rally, the news came in.
The latest unanticipated test results on my dad revealed that serendipity had left the time ahead open for a reason. Our family is embracing hope and optimism for the rough road ahead.
We’ve been parked at a gracious friend’s tranquil place in Kissimmee – and are splitting our time out in Melbourne (about an hour away) taking an active role in his treatment, giving my folks all the support we can and taking over tasks as needed in our co-owned family software business.
Unfortunately there are few options in the Melbourne/Palm Bay area for RV parks, and they are either 55+ only, prohibitively expensive, not much closer and/or full up with the seasonal influx of snowbirds. (Incidentally, if anyone has connections in the area for land or large drive ways that might welcome some technomads with a bus for a while, it would be quite a blessing to be closer. Although, aside from the distance – our current setup is pretty ideal.)
We don’t know yet how long we’ll be in Central Florida, we’re taking it one step at a time. But it’ll likely be a while. If you find yourself in the area, please do reach out – social breaks may be welcomed distractions.
All of our pre-scheduled blog posts have gone live. There were a couple more we had started and may complete. Beyond that, I can’t say how much time or motivation we’ll have for writing. Maybe we will, maybe we won’t? (One of the big reasons we blog for joy, not income.)
We ask for your understanding if our postings here become sporadic.
Location independence is often portrayed as a glamourous life of galavanting around the world to see great places, eat great food and have amazing experiences. That’s certainly a nice motivation and benefit we enjoy.
But the core reason for our location flexibility? To be where we choose to be.
Our plans ahead may not be exotic or inspiring blog fodder – but we’re exactly where we need… no … want to be. No tropical beach or warm desert boondocking with friends compares right now.
We feel so incredibly blessed to have designed a lifestyle that allows us the flexibility to do something like this, and really be there for our loved ones. No taking vacation or family medical leave time, no expensive travel to and from home, no feeling of putting our life on hold. It’s simply built into our lifestyle to pull in and do whatever we can.
If you have a positive thought, well wish or prayer to spare – we would most welcome them.
Cherie and Chris – as we’re learning as new digital nomads its not always about the what you do every day, its about the journey. Our thoughts are with you.
Thank you to everyone who has commented, sent e-mail or even said silent positive thoughts for my family. It’s a tough road ahead for us, but your positivey and supports helps a lot.
Cherie,
My phone number is still the same, give me a call and we can hopefully hook up share some good food and good times to give you a little break.
Send me an email if you have lost the number.
Hugs,
Cecil
Our most sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. {{hugs}}
A follower for quite some time and you two have been an inspiration to me. I will certainly keep your Dad in my prayers and hope for a positive outcome. The wonders of prayer and medicine are your best allies. Keep the faith,hope and love strong around your dad. God Bless All!
Thank you and may 2012 be good for Nomads everywhere!
We think and speak of you often, hoping for all the best for your family. May peace guide you through this next part of your path.
Cherie….Sad to read about your dad. Hope all goes well and I am sending postive thoughts and prayers your way.
Don’t think I’ve as yet commented here, but have been following for quite a long time. Want you to know that yes you are in my thoughts. You are indeed extremely blessed to be able to be with your family right now. This is one of our biggest reasons for wanting to get mobile ourselves. We know all too well that the time will come when we will be needed. And we want to be free to be there. All the best to you and your family.
Good Morning Cherie and Chris!
Our family so enjoyed getting to meet you at the Arcadia Rally. Just got our own website up and running and was adding you to our blogroll. Saw your current situation and wanted to say that we will be praying for you and your parents.
Thanks guys… great to hear from you too. Was a pleasure to meet your family, and glad to see you’ve got a blog going. Just added you to our links page as well. Cheers to the journey ahead!
Hard news… you and your dad are in our thoughts and we both send our wishes for easier times ahead.
Hear you totally. Am in similar position. A day at a time. You are included in the huge prayer wheel spinning at this time for sick loved ones and those in need in all kinds of ways. Love. Love. Love. Words come hard at these times.
Well, even though it wasn’t good news, it was still serendipity just the same to happen to be in Florida just as your folks were needing you the most. My mom is battling terminal cancer at the moment as well. It sucks, but it also brings an immediacy to relationships that is quite a blessing. So glad you are there for them right now! Ps– you might still check and see if a 55+ park will let you stay– I’ve stayed at a Sun RV Reorts park in Naples a few times and they were fine with it as long as I wasn’t loud or bringing any kids with me.
Our thoughts are with you and your family. Do what you want/need to and know we’ll all be here when you want/need to return.
Now you know why you had no set schedule for January … The Universe had decided where you are supposed to be.
Dear Cherie and Chris… Holding you and your family in my heart, sending love, strength, courage, and as much ease and grace as you all can allow…seeing the best possible outcome for your Dad, and for your entire family.
Know that we’ll all be here when ever you pop in; no attachments, no expectations, just love and appreciation for all you so passionately share with us.
Now, relax into the fullness of the lifestyle you’ve chosen, on purpose. 🙂 Living life from your hearts, BEing where you want to be. Blessed BE.
My thoughts and prayers are with you . It is a blessing you are able to be with him and lend your support. Keep us updated in the meantime if you are able to.
I will pray for your Dad. So glad you are able to be with him. That is a big plus for our lifestyle.
Davy
Ahhh…so very, very sorry to hear about your family issues. It’s a boon that you’re flexible and can be close, but I know it’s a rough ride. Sending the very best of thoughts and {{vibes}} your way.
Nina
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers! I know that your family must really appreciate your being able to be there with them.
Best wishes to everyone on your end ….. your presence in a hard time makes things more comforting, if not easier, for your family. Way to “step up.” You will not regret it.
So sorry to hear of this. I’ve been through the strain of caring for medical issues in family members and wish you both courage, strength, patience, and time to remember your love and the connection between one another during this time.
Prayers and best wishes for your dad, you and all your family.
Sending good thoughts your way. Here’s hoping for the best for both of you and your families.
Sending all my today’s hugs to you.
Oh Man, We sure are thinking of ya and hoping for the best. Plenty of bead jingling going on for y’all.
We are more location independent now than the last time we visited. We have unloaded the house, most of our stuff is in storage. Now all I need is a bus!
Good luck, thinking of ya.
Glenn Nash
It’s good to see that you’re sharing all the aspects of the nomadic lifestyle. I know that I’ll have to incorporate aging parents into the equation eventually myself. Please keep sharing as best you can. We’ll be here when you get back.
My thoughts are with you and your family. Wishing you all the best, no matter how things progress.
Sending good thoughts your way! <3
Cherie –
My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Bless you all!
RJ