Our Dream Unfolds

In 2002 we reached a point in our lives where a chapter closed. We needed to open a new chapter, a chapter I like to call Freedom. We had spent over 40 years earning a living, raising a family, growing, and becoming. We acquired things, created technicolor memories, and adored our growing family. But, in retirement we yearned for our independence and freedom. We wanted the magic of seeing new places, experiencing new things, meeting new people and stumbling into great adventures. We wanted the utter freedom we had never felt. We looked at our stuff and realized it was all replaceable. Only our photo albums and a few mementos were unique. The rest was meaningless, manufactured and aging. We wanted to wake up when our bodies decided it was time, to read when a good book beckoned. We realized that as long as we lived in a community surrounded by people engaged in today's frenzied lifestyle, we would feel their pressure. So, we bought a Class C motorhome and began our travels. We soon realized that we were gone more than we were at home. So we bought a bigger motorhome which would become our home and put the house up for sale. It sold in a few weeks. We called the kids and told them to come get what they wanted, had a yard sale, and gave away or tossed the rest of our stuff. We were finally free! What a blessing.

But, it was not financially prudent. Many of our friends are building up significantly larger retirements and will enjoy far more security in old age.  I fear that for each year a dream is postponed, the risk of it never happening jumps exponentially. We have met many people who say they wanted to travel but waited too long. Either poor health or the death of their spouse stopped that dream. Either you stay home and wring your hands while you worry and watch from your arm chair, or you get out there and live your dream as long as you can. Life is just too short for that.

That was 10 years ago. We are still living our dream. We have the freedom we wanted, seen many wonderful places, made lasting friendships, met interesting people, and had more memorable experiences than we can count. This summer we plan on visiting with family while traveling through Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas. What I love the most is all the new experiences we will have along the way. I can't wait to see what happens next.