Message in a Minute Collection

The setting was deep in the mountains of the Anzo Borrego desert. Coarse sand, desert trees and wind-sculptured mountains surrounded our campground. Peering out of the dining area window, I could see a woman in a wheel chair being rolled onto a ramp and lifted into her motor home. Her spouse stands lovingly by obviously making sure she is stable and secure.

In another setting, a man “drove” his wheeled cart along the pathway in White Sands National Monument, expressing joy and wonder at the beauty surrounding him. He was hooked to an oxygen pump that sat at his side.

So often, friends ask about the people we meet on the road and park next to in the campgrounds. I often reflect on those we meet; who they are, where they come from and where they are “going”—their stories. Clearly, they are not the stereotypes people had in their minds when asking the question—lesser educated, of lesser means, sloppy and boisterous.

Mostly, we have encountered (on the average, retired) doctors, teachers, lawyers, professors, business entrepreneurs, administrators, diplomats, law enforcement officers, anti-terrorism personnel, artists, craft-makers, missionaries, truck drivers, school-bus drivers, widowers, widows, single folk traveling alone, same-sex couples, pet-lovers and avid birders, fisherman, sports fans, people of all religions, nationalities, races and creeds. OK, you get the point; RVing is for everyone and anyone. Occasionally we have encountered some who are noisy and inconsiderate but they are few and far between and usually don’t stay for very long in one place.

People are all so friendly and eager to tell their stories. We have made long-term friends and that list gets longer: folks that we communicate with regularly and schedule to meet along the way. People are full of life, anxious to teach and to learn, share stories of life and travel on the road. But they are not always in top physical health, sometimes lacking energy, or the ability to keep a full daily schedule; which leads me to a point I wish to share. There are those we have encountered with severely limited physical capability, heart disease or verging on Alzheimer’s and other afflictions of aging, but sustaining an unlimited love of life and adventure. Perhaps they are restricted to using canes, walkers, motorized carts or are confined to wheel chairs. Many in early stages of Alzheimer’s are lucky to travel with highly supportive and dedicated mates.

Their rigs are specially outfitted to meet special needs. The burden is on the spouse to do everything from driving, campground setup and take down, maintenance of exterior and interior, cooking and medical care. What is striking is the devotion and positive attitude of these folks, living to their fullest, always pushing forward, happy to be on the road and not giving up for as long as possible. It gives me pause. I am reminded time and time again, not to dwell on a cold day, a broken part, spilled milk or other inconsequential disappointment.

I just wanted all of you to know that life on the road is full of the same wonder you encounter in daily life, a cross-section of humanity, glimpses into reality and a chance to experience all sides of living. Thanks for reading and listening. I am going out the door to feed the birds, hike in the mountains and talk to our new neighbors. I know I will make more discoveries before the day is over and before we hit the road again.