Sometimes we look at sights in nature but don't really see. While hiking in the woods the other day, it became a realization that we need to open our heart and eyes to see the beauty of the simple things in nature with each season. There is so much order and purpose in His creation. God has given us awesome beauty in this world to see and enjoy... if we would but stop to see and feel it. Join us as this blog is about stopping to see the real beauty around us...to touch and feel it... "Through the Lens".

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Friday, August 13, 2010

Plans Change….

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We have made a batch of jello. Yep, that is what full-timers say when their plans go awry. Way back on Tuesday, we had planned to stop over at Pine Mountain RV Resort for a short time to help out with their website links. Well, that was Tuesday!!!

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Today all of those plans are up in the air. We received a phone call from Mike’s brother that his grandson, Hunter, had been admitted to Vanderbilt hospital. This grandson is only 7 years old. He has been diagnosed with juvenile leukemia. We are all devastated. It seems juvenile leukemia is very treatable and the prognosis for survival is 80% or better. We were going to make our way toward Nashville to see Hunter and the rest of the family when we left this area. Mike’s mom lives in Nashville and we haven’t seen her for too long. Then we received another phone call telling us that Hunter’s form of leukemia fell into a 5% bracket and this puts him in the 60% survival rate. He will also have to have a bone marrow transplant. Needless to say, we are all very upset about this news and are keeping Hunter and the rest of his family in our prayers.

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That’s when the jello really began to take a different form.

When we began the planning stages of this lifestyle we both knew that our love of travel and exploring history would NEVER take precedence over family. First and foremost we are parents, son, brother, sister and daughter-in-law. That always comes first. If family needed us we would be there. After all we have wheels under us and can move our home to wherever it needs to be.

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We have heard so many people talk as if when a person begins full-timing they will be entering into a utopia of sorts. A dream like existence of perpetual vacation. This is just not true. When you become a full-timer your life comes with you. It is indeed a lifestyle….not a vacation.

Right now, due to these family responsibilities, we will be content to stay and play at Pine Mountain RV Resort and then travel toward Nashville, Tennessee to support and encourage family.

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We will have to put the Escapade on hold till another year….and there will be another year. We will continue our current website links responsibilities here at Pine Mountain RV Resort and head for Nashville beginning of September. We will stay there for a couple of weeks and when we leave Nashville we’ll see where we can find some new photo opportunities.

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Our plans changed but the adventure didn’t. We will use this detour to explore some new areas, enjoy some history and take a few pictures.

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Thanks for coming along with us on this crazy adventure called full-timing. We appreciate your time in reading our blog and hope you enjoy it. Feel free to leave us a comment and let us know you were here.

29 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear about Hunter's medical situation and especially that he has a more severe version of juvenile leukemia. Everything I've heard about this recently has been very, very positive as far as treatment and prognosis for a full recovery goes. I'll be wishing all the best for Hunter as he undergoes treatment.

    It's great to hear, and see, that you are indeed following through on your commitment to put your family ahead of your own plans. I think that is the right decision as well and you and Mike are to be congratulated for that. As you say, there will be lots more Rallies in the years to come.

    Take care.

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  2. I don't think there is anything worse in this life than illness or harm coming to one's child. Prayers for Hunter and all of your family as you learn more about his situation and learn to cope with what it will entail. You are so right about family being the number one priority....it is with us as well. You can be a huge support center for the family as they wade through the various emotions this can bring to the surface. Good luck and many prayers for everyone.

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  3. Know that I'm only a little ways away from Nashville....and if you guys need anything at all...we'll be more than glad to help out...and don't forget...in October...you can come camp with us...and meet lots of full-timers...

    My prayers go out to your little fellow...

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  4. family is priority!!..enough said..hugs to you all as you head towards Nashville in September..

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  5. Extremely well said, Mike and Gerri. You do what you need to do, and that's that. You are flexible and can be with family as needed. Our prayers are with you and with Hunter and his family.

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  6. Oh my...this is the third cancer story I have heard on my blos list this week! So sad..especially the young ones...but they have come such a long way in this realm of medicine.
    I will keep Hunter in my prayers..and will put him on a few prayer chains.

    Keep the Faith! Hugs Cindy and Walker

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  7. We are so sorry to hear of Hunter's illness and our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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  8. What sad news about Hunter. I will keep him, his parents, and all of you in my prayers. Those young ones can be quite resilient and it sounds like the odds are still good. It's great that you can be there to offer support. That is one of the advantages of this lifestyle.

    I love your statement "our plans changed but the adventure didn't". How right you are! I think you've summed up this life perfectly!

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  9. So sorry to hear about the illness of your little Hunter. I hope and pray for a successful treatment for Hunter - and for strength for your entire family as you all go through these difficult times.

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  10. You guys know we are with you in thoughts and prayers - as you were (and are) with us in a similar situation. We are indeed fortunate to be able to add support to family when they are in need.

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  11. Our prayers are with Hunter while he endures his treatment and with all those who love him. I know how it pulls on your heart strings when someone you love and some one so young is diagnosed with something like this.

    My most heartfelt wishes for a positive outcome. Hang in there and try to keep your spirits up. Tough times for sure.

    Connie

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  12. Our prayers are with you and with Hunter and his family.

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  13. Thank goodness we a living a life in jello and that we can change our plans in a moments notice.

    We are praying for Hunter and a full recovery for him.

    We are sorry that once again we will miss you in Goshen, but totally understand the "family first" thing. We too have made some of those decisions.

    Hugs to you both.

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  14. Hunter is in our thoughts and prayers.

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  15. I am so sorry to hear about little Hunter. That's so much for such a young child to handle. I will put him on my prayer list.

    It's wonderful that your home is on wheels, so that you can be with your family when they need you. It would have been much more difficult if your home couldn't come with you. Be strong.

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  16. We're keeping your family in our prayers. They are so fortunate that your house is on wheels. Remember to take care of yourselves, too.

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  17. We wish the little guy the best and a speedy recovery. Great thing about Fulltiming, you can change your plans at the drop of a hat. Photo ops, East coast or New England in the Fall, can't ask for much better, we're sure you'll find plenty.

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  18. I think your priorities are in good order It is so important at this time for Hunter to be surrounded by those that love him and can encourage him through the treatments ahead. You and your family will be in our prayers.

    We will miss seeing you at the Escapade Rally, but hope our paths will cross soon.

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  19. So sorry to hear about Hunter and hope the treatment is a success. That is the great thing about full-timing, though. You can always change plans and go where you need to.

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  20. You and your family will be in our prayers, we will be thinking positive thoughts.

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  21. Family First!! Our thoughts and prayers are with Hunter and all of the family.

    Glad Nick is feeling better.

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  22. Family first - always. We found this out when we started traveling in Feb. Initially helping with Leonards mother. Then "stuck" here in NJ waiting repairs on RV. However, this summer my daughter has needed me to assist her as her Charlotte (age 4) is going through medical testing. Surely God put us here.

    So, you are right. You are needed to be with family. Prayers and upbeat thoughts for little Hunter.

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  23. How true ...Life is an adventure, with all of it's highs, lows, laughter and tears. And the adventure is always there...I hate when I hear about a sick child...But do remember, kids are resilient...with the medical care he gets, the family support, and a child's natural wonderful attitude, he will come out on the other side of this ...Our prayers for your family...and...I am sending good Karma Hunter's way.

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  24. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with your whole family. Such a young age, Bless his heart.

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  25. Sorry to hear about the medical problems with Hunter. It is great that you can be close for support during this critical time.

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  27. Hunter will be in our thoughts and prayers!!

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  28. Just saw your post about your nephew, Hunter. Praying for him and your family and the doctors caring for him.

    We agree; with wheels to travel, we can be just about anyplace we need to be and have our house with us.

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  29. Here's hoping your nephew with his little sisters help can kick this disease. Medical science is making great strides these days.

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