One of the joys of rving is meeting people from all over who are enjoying travel by motorhome, 5th wheel, trailer, van - whatever form of recreational vehicle meets their needs. There is that wonderful comraderie of fellow travelers and a natural sharing of where you are from, where you are going and if enough time - some sharing of travel stories.
The first night out on my way to FL from MT, I was in Bozeman, MT. This time of year and on a trip where I was “making miles”, I was fighting short days - I don’t like to drive at night… I pulled into the Bozeman KOA at dusk and by the time I plugged in and got set up it was nearly dark. It was full dark as Karl and I were returning from a walk. Fellow travelers were setting up - by flashlight - a few spaces down from where I was and as we walked past, their little dog ran towards us barking like mad. Karl and I both jumped and then the women screamed “it’s a bear!” and she jumped. After we all got our hearts going again we exchanged hellos and a laugh about scaring each other.
The next morning as I was unplugging to leave, the same woman came by walking the little dog. She stopped and asked if I was on my own. When I said that I was she laughed and said “You are adventurous!” A nice comment, in fact, one I consider a great compliment. It and her smile created an instant bond and we talked for maybe 15 minutes. It was one of those incredible meetings where you feel like you could be wonderful friends but paths are crossing for such a brief moment in time. We felt so comfortable that we exchanged a hug before parting…but then a bit more information… She disclosed that her husband had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. During the first part of our conversation she told me they were returning to San Diego area - and an area that had been destroyed by fire. They knew their house and horses were ok but many neighbors were not reachable and they knew they were returning to possible havoc.
Talk about difficult and painful circumstances! But that is not the story here. The story is the way this woman shared - it was with hope and courage and even with gratitude. Gratitude for their house still standing, for the time and opportunity to take a trip they wanted to take, gratitude that they had time to say to each other what they wanted to say and the courage and dignity to look at a most difficult situation as opportunity.
Holly and Bill are their names if anyone reading is inclined to lift them in prayer and hope. I left feeling like I had met an angel and somehow been given a “sign” that I would be safe and that I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing. I had so many experiences of the “good omen” kind on this trip - such a special trip on my way to start life with an incredibly special person.
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