It’s Sunday and I am happy to report that I survived my second Thanksgiving holiday weekend without Tim. I hadn’t been looking forward to the weekend at all because Thanksgiving at the Veneys had always been a really huge event with lots of great food cooked by Tim. In spite of my sadness, there was one thing I was looking forward to – our first Thanksgiving dinner that Kim, Kendal and I would have at the Gaylord Restaurant in National Harbor. The food at the buffet was endless and awesome!! After that I spent a few hours with Mom and we had such a great time looking out the window and reading magazines and the Thanksgiving card I gave her.
But the main thing I was looking forward to during my four day weekend was going to Chesaco RV to pick up a replacement for Memory Maker II. On Tuesday on my way to York, PA to give a presentation, I went back to the RV dealership where Tim and I had purchased Memory Maker in 2014 and picked out a 24 foot beauty that felt as if it was made for me as soon as I stepped into it. I was so happy to be back to Chesaco again, AND my salesman’s name was Tim. He wasn’t there when we bought our first one, but several people at the dealership still remembered my Tim. They treated me like family and gave me an amazing trade in deal for MMII.
By the time I picked the new RV up on Friday morning, I had already named her Joy! On the way home I even took the back roads! Since the RV is so short, she turns on a dime, and is truly amazing! I started to cry on the drive because I felt a peace come over me. I was driving a new RV that was just my size and I knew I’d never feel lonely in it. One thing I had never told anyone was that when I was in Memory Maker II alone in my room, it was such a long way to the front of the coach. When I looked up at the front toward the living and dining area, I felt so lonely. All of that space, 31 feet of it, just for me. Of course I bought it for when the kids come with me, but when they weren’t there I felt lost and alone in all that space. And at times, especially in bad weather MM II was scary to drive. After Kendal fell out of her bunk bed in July and broke her collar bone, and we had a minor accident on the way home, I knew I’d be trading MM II in before the next camping season.
With MM II I always stayed on the main roads, so that I could manage the 31 feet without difficulty. Now with Joy, I can focus on the views, take the back roads, and enjoy all of the small towns that Tim and I loved to stop in and walk around. I can even park Joy on the street if I need to. For most of Saturday I packed and added all of the personal touches to Joy and before church this morning, I sat in Joy with a cup of coffee, looking out of the windows feeling very much at “home”. Tim’s picture and favorite hat sit in their proper places in Joy, and I didn’t feel alone at all.
I’m so looking forward to spending time with Kim and Kendal in Joy, but I’m also looking forward to being alone, just me out on the road less traveled learning more about me and my life’s journey along the way.
This is the largest purchase I’ve ever made in my life without Tim, and I’m thrilled with my decision to buy something just for me, that feels so right to me…Something that I truly deserve … Tim always said I was always doing things for others but I never do anything for myself… So this time I did, and I can even hear Tim cheering! So here’s to me and Joy and exploring new places and visiting new and old friends in my home on wheels. Who knows where we will end up, but it’s going to be great! If you see me and Joy driving by, please wave! Invite me in for coffee or dessert too.. I’d be happy to come!
Conquering Life; Love and Dialogue with Loretta Veney 
Loretta, there is so much in this beautiful post that compels my comment…
The wonder of your finding a RV that is right-sized for you – not only physically, but, as I read your words and intuit your meaning, soulfully…
The wonder of your having Tim’s picture and favorite hat in place, which reminds me of that adage oft said about we humans when moving to a new place that we, each and all, have some physical memento that, when put in its proper place, makes that place home for us…
The wonder that the RV salesman was/is named Tim…what a marvelous sign of recognition and renewal…
And most especially, the wonder of your looking forward to learning more about you and your life’s journey.
Mercy, lady, I’m looking forward to reading and hearing and beholding your discoveries of YOU.
Love
Thank you Paul!!!
You KNOW Tim and his hats!! And what a big deal they were to him. When I went to pick up Joy I took the hat with me. After our RV class, the Adventure Girls went to lunch and then dropped me off so I could drive Joy home. I didn’t realize that Tim’s hat had dropped out of the bag and into Kim’s passenger seat. She rushed to the house to return it to me before I even realized it was missing. We sat it together in it’s place and both felt like all was well then. I’m happy with the orange touches in Joy, the pillows in the loft bed and one on the couch. I’ll be adding a new bedspread for my bed in the spring before taking her out on my first trip.
You’re so right that Joy is the right size for my soul too!!!!! It reminds me of the studio apartment my mom lived in after we sold my grandparents home. My Mom who had always been so anxiety filled in her life, adapted to that studio place like it was meant just for her – I’d never seen her that “at peace”. It was the same experience for me when I stepped into Joy. It’s just warm and cozy and allows me to “breathe” normally….
I’ve always loved the back roads. You see people and things you’d never see on the main highways. I’ll learn so much on the road, and I’m really looking forward to it. Even my book treks on the road are special and I learn something about me from each one of those as well!
Stay tuned my brother, (as Tim would say). I’m happy you’ll be along for the ride with me!
Love
Ret, I am so happy that Joy is the right fit for you. After all you do for everyone else, it’s great to see you do something for you! Reading your reply to Paul’s comment, I heard Tim say “stay tuned my brother”, it was definitely his voice in my head. Having a place for Tim and your touches of orange are so perfect. It’s great that Tim will be along for the ride, the peaceful ride, with you. It sounds like you had the perfect Thanksgiving for you and I was so glad to read that. I love you tons Ret!!
Yep definitely the right fit for me!!! In MM II I was so focused on fulfilling my promise to Tim to keep going….In Joy I’m ensuring that I am enjoying it and at peace at the same time!! It definitely wouldn’t be home without some orange! I can still hear his voice too!! Love you to the moon and back!!
I hope the new Joy in your driveway brings you many many years of Joy, safe travels and adventure for you and the Adventure Girls.
It absolutely will Robert!!!! Thank you!!!
Loretta, you rock!!
Your new ride Joy is the bomb!!!! Enjoy your travels with your family😊 When I grow up I want to be just like you😃
Glad you had a wonderful time with your mother, God continues to bless and keep her. For now keep rolling😍
Belinda
Sent from my iPhone
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Awwwwww Thanks so much Belinda!!!!!! My Mom doesn’t like to go out much these days, but I hope I can convince her to go for a ride in Joy too!! I look forward to years of fun and travel in Joy!!