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Travel with a Heart: A Journey of Loss, Resilience, and New Beginnings

Each day, I strive to get closer to living my life in full travel mode. For me, this isn’t just about hitting the road; it’s about reshaping my life, making sacrifices, and finding joy in a way that aligns with my motto: Travel with a Heart.

 

Last year, I experienced one of the most profound losses of my life—I lost my mom. For six months, I had the privilege of being her caregiver during the final chapter of her life. It was a challenging yet deeply rewarding time. Leaving behind my own life to care for her was not a sacrifice I ever regretted. Those months were filled with laughter, love, and memories that I’ll carry with me forever.

 

A Pandemic and a Promise

This podcast idea was conceived just before the pandemic, and little did I know how life would change so drastically. I left my California home to move in with my mom in Michigan, where we shared six beautiful months together. Having not lived in Michigan for over two decades, this was a precious opportunity to reconnect. Our daily phone calls and holiday visits turned into a once-in-a-lifetime gift of time spent laughing, cooking, and watching trash TV (the best kind!).

But just as I was preparing to return to California, Mom’s health began to decline. A few months later, she was diagnosed with ALS—a devastating diagnosis. By then, I had also broken my ankle, stepping off a bus at work, which ironically became a blessing. Being on worker’s comp allowed me to return to Michigan to become her full-time caregiver.

 

A House Full of Love

When I arrived back at her house, I made a promise to myself: I would bring joy, gratitude, and positivity into her final months. The house that had been somber and quiet transformed. Her beloved dog, who had been eerily silent, squealed with joy when I walked in. From that moment on, we embraced life fully, creating moments of happiness amid the storm.

December to April was filled with laughter, singing, and cherished meals. But by spring, her pain worsened. It turned out she also had leukemia. While the news was heartbreaking, it brought a strange mercy; leukemia allowed her to pass peacefully, sparing her from the prolonged suffering ALS brings.

 

Picking Up the Pieces

Losing my mom, my best friend, and my anchor has left me with a profound sense of grief. But life doesn’t stop. Slowly, I’ve begun to rebuild and move forward with the plans I’d put on hold.

During this time, I faced additional challenges. Some friends drifted away, perhaps unable to handle my grief, or maybe I became too much for them to bear. And yet, despite the doubts of others who told me I was too old or that I’d never succeed, I pushed forward.

Through worker’s comp, I pursued new education. I became a certified travel agent and destination wedding planner, specializing in destinations like Hawaii, South Korea, Australia, and Qatar. These certifications reignited my passion for travel and set the stage for a new beginning.

 

A New Chapter

Here’s the big reveal: I’m building a mobile podcasting and living vehicle for myself and my older cats. Once I leave snowy Michigan, I’ll return to Northern California to create unique travel experiences. I plan to host travel trivia nights to educate people about their options while sharing my travel services for the Napa Valley wine region and destinations worldwide. I’ll also collaborate with local tourism boards to promote Napa Valley to travel agents eager to learn more about its charm.

At 59, I’m embarking on a journey of reinvention. My mom’s love and the time I spent with her gave me the courage to take this leap. She taught me that it’s never too late to start over, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

 

Living with a Purpose

To the friend who called me too old and lazy, I’m sorry you see me that way. Life is too short to stop moving, learning, and growing. I’m happiest when I’m exploring and creating memories. It’s time to honor my promise to Mom—to live my happiest and best life.

So here I am, ready to create memorable moments, explore the world, and inspire others to do the same. This is my journey, and I hope you’ll join me as I embrace it with peace, love, and gratitude.

 

Travel with a Heart.