Connecting with Friends and Family

When we decided to spend much of our retired life in a motorhome, our primary thought was to see the sights of our nation. But along the way, here and there, we have (re)connected with people of importance……meaning old friends and family!

The first connection was in the burbs of Indianapolis last fall, when we “popped in” on our nephew and his family. It was so fun to see their home, enjoy a great chicken alfredo meal, and visit. Below is Terry, his wife, Heather and their son Grant.

Then we were blessed by Howie’s niece with an invitation to spend Thanksgiving with them. Nikki and her husband, Steve, live in Uriah, Alabama. What a southern feast we were treated to…..topped off by pecan pie, hand picked and shelled from her yard. What a treat!

Close to 30 years ago, my best friend at the time and I were the management team for the operating room in Naperville, IL. Due to circumstance, life took us in different directions and we lost touch. About a year ago, I googled Sue and found that she and her husband, Ray, now live in Buckeye, AZ. In September we were staying at a campground south of Flagstaff, near Sedona. One day I drove almost 2 hours south and surprised her at her door. It was a trip highlight to reconnect, reminisce, and renew a friendship that should never have been lost. What a blessing it was to see Sue again – unfortunately, I do not have a picture as I gave her NO chance to prepare for our visit.

Most of you know that we lived in Minocqua, Wisconsin for 16 years – well, we made lots of really good friends and one couple is Jay and Amy Grooters. About the time we moved from Minocqua, so did Jay and Amy – they became missionaries in Costa Rica. They come back to the U.S. every summer and spend time touring the country in their motorhome, doing work for their ministries. We came to realize that they were out west this summer as well, so we were able to meet up here in Santa Fe. IT WAS SO GOOD TO SEE THEM! We shared a few meals (Jay made a mean pork tenderloin on the Blackstone) and memories (and got a bit of game playing is as well) and it seemed like the months since seeing them just melted away! That’s what friendship is all about!

So, as you can see, traveling the nation has brought much more joy than just beautiful scenery. I urge you to reach out if you have lost contact with friends and family from your past!!

HAPPY TRAILS!!