This post is not about our RV lifestyle. However, it does
cover why I made the decision to live our dream: Living in our RV and
experiencing life as full as I can, no matter what limitations my health issues
put on me.
For the record: I am terrified of heights! Always have been.
My husband of almost 40 years is very aware of this.
We spent Christmas of 2012 in Puerta Penasco or Rocky Point,
sometimes known as Phoenix' Beach. Just a four hour drive into Mexico from
Phoenix, to the northeast shore of the Sea of Cortez.
My 76 y/o mother came with us. While driving around one
afternoon, we spotted a man with his teenage son beside an ultralight sitting
in the sand. My husband's casual statement set a precident: "I have always
wanted to do that!"
We found what hours he would be there, and the price: US
$40.00 for about a ten to fifteen minute ride. A little rich; however, it was
Christmas! We left and returned the next day for Roy to go up in the ultralight.
He was like a youngster, finally to be able to do something he had only dreamed
of.
Ramon gave Roy some pre-flight instructions, then sat in
front of him on a seat that seemed very small. I took plenty of pics of his
take-off and he then became a speck in the sky. They soon landed on a sand dune
and they puttered up by our car. Roy's eyes were dancing. His excitement was
bubbling over, describing his adventure in the sky, floating above the nearly
empty resorts. It was off-season and many things were closed.
He hugged me and he grinned: "I know you won't do it:
but I sure wish you could."
He wasn't expecting my answer, "Okay!"
During his ride, I had contemplated whether or not I could
do it. I made decision to face my fears and to enjoy this experience. I
borrowed his jacket, and Ramon assisted me into a harness and helmet. During
take-off and the entire flight, I had a camera in my right had, snapping pics
of everything. My left arm was holding tightly onto Ramon, I am surprised he
could breathe.
Roy stared and did not believe I was going up...But he was
thrilled. We soared above the deserted beach and I could see our tiny shadow
trying to keep up with me. Ramon pointed at a pod of whales about a mile out
from the beach.We landed without any problems. I was so proud that I had faced
my fear and broadened my experiences to include flying on an ultralight
airplane!
Why did I decide to go? Two months prior I had a severe
Vascular Accident. [A stroke]. I was walking with a cane or using my wheelchair
on bad days. My neurologist was making murmors toward me retiring early. I was
56 y/o and had only been a Doctor of Behavioral Health a year. So, I literally
decided to take the risk, what did I have to lose?
Knowing how limiting my diagnosis was and learning to live
within those limits, made me a stronger person. I decided that day, on a
deserted beach in Puerta Penasco to not let my fears stop me from experiencing
adventures. This was the first [and most radical] of may decisions to have a
fuller life.
Part of my job as a Behavioral Therapist is to encourage my
patients to have more experiences. The Doc was taking a dose of her own cure. I
rarely hesitate when Roy suggest something interesting to try. I haven't always
said yes, but I usually will try new things.
After my health forced me to retire, we decided to sell or
give away most everything. We are full-time RVers and go somewhere different
every two or three months. With the attitude of 'if it's safe: do it!, I have
some wonderful memories already.
Stay-tuned for more adventures,
Doc
