Embracing Life: My Journey of Adventure and Acceptance

Would you rather travel for the rest of your life, only staying in one place for three months at most, or never leave your home state again? For me, the answer is crystal clear: I would choose to travel for the rest of my life. There's so much to see, and life is too short not to experience it to the fullest. This passion for travel has driven me to pursue my dreams and see places I've only ever dreamed of, such as the six different countries I've visited while still a student. My family's financial support has enabled me to embark on these adventures, enriching my life in ways I never imagined.

A Moderate Approach to Life

Instead of just vacillating or moving round about, it's far more essential to adopt a flexible and mindful approach to life. Anything done in excess will inevitably have drawbacks. Why not adopt a more moderate approach? Make well-informed decisions that better suit your objectives, ensuring you live in a dignified and orderly manner. Our life is a journey, and learning to appreciate each step is invaluable.

A Narrative of Loss and Resilience

Forty years ago, Linda and I commenced a life together that spanned a remarkable 28 years filled with love, laughter, and two remarkable children – one gay and one straight, both now adults living their own lives. We were planning our next phase – retirement and travel, with dreams of a motorhome and a nomadic lifestyle. We envisioned traveling to places we had only seen in print or on TV, fulfilling a dream that slowly faded as Linda battled cancer.

Medical professionals were confident in their treatment plan, backed by a comprehensive insurance policy offering an unlimited payout for cancer patients. However, in retrospect, we should have sparked away faster. Their assurance that they would spare no expense, using the latest treatments and trials, seemed like a lifeline. Unfortunately, their expertise and resources were not enough to save her.

After a grueling ten-month battle, Linda passed away on her 60th birthday, just twelve days before her anticipated recovery. We were left to grapple with the loss, the doctors’ unfeeling mannerisms, and the utter futility of the medical interventions. They explained that Linda's cancer was more aggressive than they expected, and despite their best efforts, she died with the cancer ravaging her body.

Embracing Life Post-Loss

Afraid to face the reality of her loss, I delayed the inevitable – selling our home that had become a mausoleum, filled with the ghosts of the life we once shared. It took two years to find a buyer, and with the proceeds, I decided to embark on a new journey with my dogs: a 38-foot diesel pusher motorhome. Soon, I will point the vehicle in an undetermined direction and enjoy life without the ties to the past.

While the idea of finding a female companion to keep me company came to mind, the reality is that finding someone compatible and willing to share this journey is unlikely, especially with my age. Instead, I am focusing on myself and my dogs, exploring the beauty of the interior United States, from New Mexico to Utah, Wyoming, and other states starting with M. This summer vacation mindset fills me with a sense of freedom and adventure, as I seek to fulfill a dream that only became possible after my wife's passing.

The ultimate goal is simple: to enjoy the rest of my life to the fullest, pursuing the adventures we once talked about and sharing my stories with Linda from beyond the grave. Life is too short to be confined to any one place for an extended period, and embracing this reality is both liberating and comforting.