2012 started with the news that my father’s cancer had come back, and the count down was on for his last days with us.
Our consciously constructed nomadic life allowed us to shift our focus to what mattered.
We based our time in Florida to be near him most of the year, help with his care that could extend his life a bit, celebrate life together, be with family and do the work to transition the business we ran together.
We spent the beginning of the year in this mode, and then he was able to take a break from his treatments. My parents used that time to do some travel – but the trip he wanted to take, wasn’t in the cards before he needed to return for the next round.
He wanted to dip his toes in each of the Great Lakes.
So we too hit the road for a little journey, and quietly we visited each of the Great Lakes in our sweet vintage bus.
We dubbed the mission: Operation Dip Toes
Upon our rendezvous to celebrate what would be his last birthday – we played him a video of us visiting each of those lakes. He laughed with tears. And then we brought out (sanitized) water from each lake for him to dip his toes into. I’ve never seen anyone take their socks off so quickly.
It’s one of my favorite memories.
Cancer sucks. Death sucks. I miss my dad every day. Nothing will change that.
But I count my blessings that this lifestyle allowed us to spend the time we had together without regrets. We used the one gift cancer gave us.. of time.. for focusing on the important things.
Travel isn’t all about seeing awesome places.
Or meeting new people.
It’s about being where your heart wants to be.
That was my lesson of 2012.
Technomadia 15 Years Retrospective Series
In the lead up to Cherie's 15th Nomadiversary on May 10, 2022 - she shared a retrospective post for each year with a lesson about nomadic life and our own journey.
Here's a video recap of the series (caution, it's over 50m long!):
And here are the individual chapters of this series:
A very special time with your Dad before his passing. You brought happiness to him. What a gift.
What you did for your dad was very special and your memories will last a lifetime.
Thank you.
Cherie, On day four of your retrospective, I had to send you a comment. You have no idea what an inspiration you are to a dusty old codger like me. The story you weave is one of love, adventure, excitement, loss and sorrow. So many adventures, so many memories.
All I can do, as a “friend”, is say thank you for your endless drive and will. You have overcome more than many will ever attempt, and you have kept that beautiful spirit that still wants more experiences and adventures. I am looking forward to your posts as you share your life with Chris, and by extension, with all of us.
Brightest Blessings be on both of you and may “many” more days be filled with fun and adventure. Know that while it my be good to have interesting days, The “exciting” ones can be VERY exhausting. Always remember to p[lan some time in your busy schedule to recharge.
Be safe out there!
That brought back memories of sleeping in our RV in my Dad’s driveway for a three day visit. I’m glad we got to have that time with him and my step-mom before Dad died. Thanks for that.
This brought tears to my eyes.
So glad you were able to find a way for him to still “dip his toes” – – what a great plan that was!
Yes, very important to be able to be where you need to be when you need to be there. Very thankful you had tbe time and means to be there for your Dad.
Sad story but still inspiring. Being nomadic allows us to adapt to changing priorities.
~Cheers to you and Chris.