New to this Forum

[Tubirdldy]

Hi
My name is Sandi, in my mid-sixties and traveling alone in a 38' Heartland, Big Horn 5th Wheel. Pulling it with a 1 ton Duramax.
I have been Rv'ing for many years and this is only our 3rd coach. Started with a 34' motorhome and then went to a 5th wheel - just a lot 'homier' for me!

I have a husband but I've had to put him into assisted living this past December. In August of 2010 he had a stroke at the base of his brain and was diagnosed with a genetic, degenerative disease called C.A.D.I.S.I.L. Very ugly disease and has totally changed his personality from a very sweet and caring man to a self-centered and demanding person. He has lost his ability to process things appropriately so just blurts out whatever, whenever, wherever. We have been married almost 43 years so this is a very difficult time for us both. I am very lonely and trying my best to adjust to this 'new' life! He is so completely different from the man that I married it is hard to be around him - yet, hard to be away! If you can understand what I mean.

Anyway, I AM going to make life work, for both of us. I intend to continue RVing, traveling when I can and hosting where I can! He will not be able to travel with me - we tried that and it did not work at all!! He is located here in CO - within 5 miles of both of our sons (their choice). I don't do COLD so I will be gone during the winter months. This will be our 1st seperation this winter so I'm going away for a couple months, coming back for a month and then leaving again! I'll return in May to do Camp Hosting again! We'll see how it works!!

I'm not sure how I found out about this forum but I thought I'd give it a try and see who all is out there and how other women handle traveling alone! I'd love to find people with 'similar' situations with same interests! That would be lots of fun.

I LOVE the outdoors and so this lifestyle is perfect for me. God has been so faithful to me during this adjusting time. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have Him taking care of me! I, hopefully, have many years of life ahead to enjoy. I have four wonderful grandchildren: 6 1/2, 7, 9 and 9 1/2 - two boys and two girls. They are the loves of my life!!! I enjoy them during my summers here in Colorado - that's why I keep coming back here (and now, of course, my husband is here)!!!

Love to hear from any of you!!

[Dawn309]

Hi Sandi and welcome! I am so sorry to hear about your husband. Life gives us some really difficult choices at times. It sounds like you did the right thing for both of you. I read your post on another thread too. The ladies on this forum are really wonderful. Anytime you need someone to talk to, just let us know and we will talk with you about anything you need. We have all been through our trials.

[mizdeb]

Hi Sandi,
As Dawn said Welcome! I know she agrees with me when I say that without this forum we would have had a much harder time these past few months than we did. God gives us challenges to make us stronger, but we all need friends and family to help get us through. I am sorry about your husband, but anytime you need to vent or just talk to someone we are here.

Deb

[mitch5252]

..

Hi, Sandi and welcome to a great forum. I just went and read a little about your husband's syndrome. OUCH! I'm so sorry you both have to go through this. Hopefully, you can find a bit of support, advice, and humor here with the rest of us...a great deal of experience, RVing and living, can be found.

So, jump in whenever and wherever you want. We're glad you found us.

..

[Redwahine]

Hi Sandi and welcome to the forum. It is wonderful that you are able to take care of you DH and take care of yourself as well. Your DH is in good hands and close to family. My Mom passed away as a result of a form of dementia. It took years and yes she became a different person. It is tough for all the family. But what I found wonderful is that the care takers that helped out all loved mom. Thought she was great. They only knew the Mom of the here and now. They did not have anything to compare. Their relationship started when the met.

By continuing your travels you are taking care of you. Replenishing, refueling. Then you are better able to be the support you need to be when you return I have not traveled solo with RV, but hope to start next year. All the ladies on this forum are full of knowledge, support and fun

[Tubirdldy]

Thanks ladies for making me feel welcome! I look forward to getting better acquainted with you ladies and your forum's and travels!!!

[BirdbyBird]

Welcome to the forum....sounds as if you will be sharing knowledge and experience from your own supply of stories....

[monik7]

Hi Sandi. I just wanted to chime in and add my welcome to those of the others. My name is also Sandi. I've been thru the changes that occurred with my father's dementia, and it's so hard to see their personalities change from how we've always known them. I admire you for making the decisions to do what's good for both you and your DH. It's wonderful that you have the support of your sons, and aren't grandchildren gifts from God? I've been on my own for quite a long time and just got my RV in May of this year. My plan is to do as much traveling alone as I can with my two best friends, my dogs. I still have my stick house so won't be full timing, but hope to see as much of this country as possible. This forum is a great place to get information and to just vent so we look forward to hearing more and offering whatever support and help you desire.

Again, WELCOME!!
Sandi

[WickedLady]

Welcome to this forum, Sandi, glad you found us. Jump right in whenever you want to talk.

[retiredhappy]

Welcome Sandy. If you're thinking about heading south check out the GTG scheduled for the end of October at Canyon Lake here in Texas. Great chance to meet some of the ladies and share stories.

[Tubirdldy]

Again, thanks for the welcome & support offers! Sandi - good luck on your RV Adventures! I'm still adjusting to doing it all on my own, but, found I can do just about anything I set my mind to!

Thanks for the offer to join your gathering in TX - however, I'll have to miss this one as I will be in Maui at that time! Yep! Poor me - have to go to Maui for two MONTHS!!! LOL!!! We have a condo over there & I haven't been sincebefore my husbands stroke! Going for two reasons: 1) Take care of much needed business & repairs (it's a vacation rental) 2) MUCH NEEDED R and R!!! It's been a rough 3 years and I just need a bit of me time right now!!! Also, my niece is getting married there on Oct 20th and I'll get to work that in as well!! See, life does go on!

BUT, I REALLY would like to attend one of your gatherings someday soon! I'd love to meet as many of you as I can!! I'll be back to N. CO next summer, hosting. IF any of you should want to visit, let me know. BEAUTIFUL country here!!! Especially in the Spring and Summer - actually, fall too!!

[Redwahine]

I have a son and grand kids that live up in Kula, Maui. I make it over about once a year now after living on Oahu for 32 yrs. Have a great break and R & R. Where is your condo?

[Bethers]

Welcome, Sandi!

So sorry about what you're having to go through now with your husband. How very painful that must be. The changing personalities with many of the diseases make it even harder - as the person you have lived with and loved for so many years isn't that person anymore. I'm glad you have the support and help of your family and the strength to take care of you, also.

If you make it down to AZ this winter, I'll be there (as will many others). Something maybe you could do after your return from Hawaii. No gtg yet planned - but we are always up for them - small and large.

[sharon]

Welcome Sandi! Yeah, you've got a tough row to hoe, but you sound like you're up to the challenge. Great group of gals here, and we've always got your back. Sit and visit a while whenever you have the time.

How far are you from Ridgway? My favorite hot springs is there and might be a good excuse for visiting one of these days! As some of the ladies will tell you, you just never know where I'll show up...

[Travelinana]

Welcome Sandi...and another strong woman to keep up with on the forum. It's always such a sad time when a spouse falls victim to an illness. No doubt you will connect with some of our members who have been down this road. Good for you pressing forward with your life. You are indeed blessed with great kids and of course 'perfect' grands. We are so glad to have you with us and I do hope to meet you somewhere out there.
Nancy