Many have noticed I've not been blogging for the past 3 weeks. At first it was because I cannot make the Live Writer "fixes' work for me and I find blogger impossible for all but nearly pictureless posts like this one.
But then also because David's condition began to seriously deteriorate.
We found out in mid January that there were no more myeloma treatments that he hadn't already tried and eventually failed. Carrie came to visit and brought baby Colin for 4 days at the end of January. David went into the hospital the day before she flew home. Her last visit with him was there. He died on Sunday February 3. He had turned 72 years old less than a month before and had battled this horrible disease bravely and without complaint for 7 years.
This blog was started to chronicle The Direction of OUR Dreams. Without him there is no OUR and no Dreams so the blog will end with this post.
Even though we both knew this illness was fatal neither of us ever gave up hope. I'm in a fog, attempting to believe this has actually happened and he will never hike or kayak beside me again. I'm just trying to cope with this devastating change in my life. I have no idea what is next.
Thank you all for your friendship and a BIG thanks to those of you who cared enough to be faithful commentors, some of you for many many years. You have become my friends and I value you. I'm so glad we were able to meet some of you in person so you could experience for yourself the kindness, the gentleness, the strength and the love that was David.
Sherry, we are deeply saddened by this news. Please accept our deepest condolences on your loss.
ReplyDeleteI just knew, something was wrong.... you never go that long... I am crying. I never even met you guys and you have become a part of my life. Love your travels, walks kayak trips... this is just heart wrenching.. So very, very sorry
ReplyDeleteI don't want to loose this connection and hope i hear from you again, in some way. Would love to send a card
Just know i am thinking of you and so very much miss hearing of you and yours. the wedding showers, the wedding, babies..... your Blue Mtn home.... the BEACH
Take Care and God Bless... i so very much wish the best for you and am so, so saddened by the loss
I am very sorry. I had been wondering.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sherry. This is a beautiful tribute to David. He truly was a kind and gentle soul, and so courageous. You two were so inspiring in living your dreams despite the many challenges you faced. May you find some measure of peace in nature, and may you find comfort in your memories of the many wonderful life adventures that you and David shared.
ReplyDeleteSherry we're deeply sorry to hear this. David had such an amazing spirit and gentle soul, and we're grateful for the times we were able to meet up with the two of you. We're holding you close in prayer.
ReplyDeleteI am deeply sorry for your loss. I have read your blog for several years always admiring your beautiful pictures. I pray you will feel the arms of you friends and family holding you with love during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteWe are so very, very sorry and sad that the world has lost such a wonderful person. We are so grateful to have met you both and wish you the very best going forward in your life. Your pictures and musings will be sorely missed.
ReplyDeleteSherry, I can only imagine your pain. David was an inspiration. We will miss him. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy.
ReplyDeleteSherry I am so sorry to hear that David has passed. I have read and enjoyed your blog for years. I wish you the best and send my sincere sympathy to you at this very sad time.
ReplyDeleteSherry, we are so saddened by the news of David's passing. He was such a sweet man. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry, Sherry. I know this is way to early to make a decision, but if you decide to continue RVing by yourself, please contact me.
ReplyDeleteMay David Rest in Peace Sherrie. May you find love and support in the arms of your family and friends right now. I love reading about the joy and fun you and David had traveling together in spite of his illness. I always thought you continued to hike and share with David the little details so that he could share them with you afterwards. We just got to be part of your journey together. I see David in the ocean waves that keep coming back to you... caressing you... always there when you need it. I hope you come back to us in the future when this devastating loss is more bearable. We will be here for you.
ReplyDeleteSherry, as long time readers and admirers of you and David,we are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and extend our deepest sympathy.
ReplyDeleteDavid and I are so very sad for your loss. Thankful that your David was able to meet his grandson at Christmas. Hugs to you as you figure out how to move forward.
ReplyDeleteSherry, I hope that you can feel the love from your readers and friends through the typed words. If it were possible, we would all give you a hug. I too thought something was amiss when your blog had fallen behind this time. David was truly a kind and gentle soul and he will be missed by many. May you find comfort and peace in nature.
ReplyDeleteSyl and Gin
Oh Sherry, I am so sorry. David was such a kind man. It always made me laugh at his big appetite. And his sweet tooth. He will be missed.
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ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. I wish I could do something to help ....
ReplyDeleteIf you take up this blog again, I'll be here.
Oh, Sherry, I am soo so very sorry. I have a hard time imagining you without David, as I am sure you do and all around you do. You will find your way. You have your precious daughter who will support you and be at your side, and as we all know those sunrises and sunsets will still be there, and will eventually help you remember the good times you had with David. I am so happy we got to spend time with both of you, and when I think of Blue Spring I will always remember those morning walks and fun conversations between the four of us. Such a sweet soul David was. I know that in one form or another, he will be watching over you always.
ReplyDeleteLove you. There will be a path forward for all of us...just not yet. It won't be today or tomorrow or next week, but it will come. There will be a time when we can talk about David; read an email, letter or comment he wrote; see a tree or a pie or a bird or an alligator or a flower or a path or a kayak or a walking stick or a beer or a tool or a computer or a spreadsheet that reminds us of him without bursting into tears. It will take awhile for all of us and much longer for you and for Carrie, but it will come. When that happens, we will finally smile because of the life David lived and laugh about some of the experiences we shared with him, not cry for what we missed. I know it will come, but not soon enough. I love this blog and I love that you shared your lives with us. It is a gift. Thank you, Sherry. I send you and Carrie so much love. -- Pam
ReplyDeleteSherry....
ReplyDeleteWe have no words other than "We're Sorry!!" David and you were a part of so many of our full-timing memories. He was a special man with a gentle smile:o)) Bill and I have spent the last few days remembering times together. Those memories made us smile and eased the pain in our hearts. Hopefully, in time, your memories will bring you comfort. You two really did accomplish so much despite his illness. You never gave up!! Take time to grieve and don't forget your friends are here if you need us!!
Our deepest Condolences on Davids Passing.
ReplyDeleteWhat you are experiencing is normal and we both have experienced this kind of loss to the point of seeking counselling.
We kept following silently because of David's constant decline.
There are other RV Bloggers who have experienced this kind of loss and continue to write as a way of saying how they feel, a form of therapy.
This may seem like the end of your world without David but he will continue to travel in your heart and in your memories.
Advice: Do not make any drastic changes to your lifestyle for at least a year.
Now is the time our comments will help you through the healing.
As for the Blog you can always adjust the name.
Be Safe.
So sorry Sherry. We are thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteI have followed your blog for years and just wanted to tell you how sorry we are to hear the news about your beloved spouse. Our prayers are with you during the most difficult challenge you face. God bless and keep you safe. We do hope you will continue to share your life with us as we love the grandchildren!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about David's death. You both have been such an inspiration to me over the years as I read your blog. Your bravery and sense of adventure, from going to the Women's March to hiking by yourself so often, have encouraged me. I have always enjoyed your writing--whether about politics, travel, or nature--and been inspired by your travels and experiences. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. My thoughts are with you and you are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sherry, I am so sad to read this. You two have been an inspiration for making the best out of life while dealing with a difficult situation. I just wish we could have met David. Please know you are in our thoughts.
ReplyDeleteDavid was a good and kind person. I never heard him express any ill will towards anyone. No one is more patient than he was. I remember you describing how he was able to figure out some incredibly complex wiring of something in the RV when the "professional" was not able to. He was such an intelligent person but he would never have boasted or put himself "above" anyone. He had varied interests and areas of expertise from mechanics to nature to vintage cars, cooking, building and farming. He always put others first, especially family. I remember how sick he was with a terrible cold at Carrie's wedding. He did everything a father of the bride would do making sure her day was special. He adored you, Sherry. He was stoic and strong through his illness despite grueling treatments and procedures. His optimism and stubbornness likely allowed him to surpass survival estimates for myeloma patients. The world has lost a fine man. I know how much you and Carrie any many others will miss him. XXXOOO
ReplyDeleteSherry,
ReplyDeleteMy sincere sympathy to you and Carrie. David was such a sweetheart....... it is so difficult to imagine the two of you not together on this journey. Thank you for sharing all the adventures and good times with all of us. Your blog was always a joy to read ! Please know you are thought of with great fondness . Thank you for sharing your life and family. Hugs all the way around, Sally Browning
Sherry, David will always be with you in spirit. Both of you are inspirations and models in dealing with all the challenges and living in the direction of your dreams.
ReplyDeleteIm grateful that we got to meet David, it might have been short but we sure feel he is a gentle and kind person. Steve is now a fan of the White Stout that he introduced to him.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find solace and comfort in all the memories you have shared with him. Thank you for sharing all your wondeful adventures.
Sherry ... Mui and I are so very deeply sorry to hear of David’s passing. I sort of fell-off the RV blog reading mode these past years, so the news came as a total surprise when Sue Malone messaged me with the sad news. Mui and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and David in Destin before we moved west and our focus turned to our overseas travels. Your path forward will be revealed in time. Until then, may all the wonderful memories of the good times sustain you and Carrie during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteSherry, I am so very sorry to read this. May you find your inner strength to guide you through this awful time. I always will remember David's big smile no matter how he may have been feeling. Carrie, I, also which to extend my warmest thoughts to you also.
ReplyDeleteSherry I'm so sorry 😢 I have followed you both for so many years. Wishing you strength and 🙏🙏🙏🙏 and sending ❤️.
ReplyDeleteCondolences on the loss of David - I was always amazed that he could smile at the most difficult times. May your memories of him bring you peace!
ReplyDeleteSherry, I am so sorry for your loss. Becki
ReplyDeleteSherry, I am so sorry to read about David's passing. He certainly did appear to live life to the fullest and see joy in everything. His smile lit up your photos. I am sorry we never had the chance to meet him. I hope you decide to continue traveling and let the RV community help you as you move forward. My thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteI cannot even begin to imagine how you feel. May you find peace within your soul and when the time is right, for you, may you find joy in life and your memories.
ReplyDeleteSincere Condolences from one of your blog readers who enjoyed your words and pictures.
My prayers are with you, Carrie and your family during this time. While David is no longer at your side, he will be watching over you in the days ahead. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSo very sad to hear this...There are still many great hikes and kayak trips ahead for you, stay strong!
ReplyDeleteAl and I were so sorry to hear this terrible news and I can't even imagine how devastating and life changing this is for you. You both certainly put up a hard brave fight. I kept hoping for a new treatment or drug that would cure him. People manage to go on after a loss like this. I don't know how, but they do and I hope that for you.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry. We read your blog often. My heart is hurting for you and your family. His smile always showed the kind of man he was and what strength he had. Take care and know that our prayers are with you and yours!
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry to hear, this is what I've been wondering for the last week. Our prayers are with you and your beloved family. May your memories sustain you and that you find his presence in your life forward. Stay strong as we all know you are, we are all hurting for you, our sincerest condolences.
ReplyDeleteDear Sherry I am so sorry for your devastating loss. May you cherish your memories of your many years with this wonderful man.
ReplyDeleteThose seven years were overflowing with adventure and love, in spite of David's trials. For that, well, it adds a silver lining to this dark cloud. I'm thinking of you, and I hope you will reconsider and pick up blogging again when the time is right. I'm sure you will return to your wandering ways in some form, and I for one would hope that you could find it in your heart to share it.
ReplyDeleteLove, Box Canyon Mark
Have enjoyed keeping up with your adventures. Sincerest sympathy and hoping your life finds new direction.
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ReplyDeleteSherry, I became concerned when you hadn't posted for so long. I wish I had words to help ease your sorrow and your transition to a new life. I hope that the memories and love you and David shared will be of comfort, and that the love and support coming to you from those near and far will also be of some comfort. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I will miss seeing you here in the land of blogs. Take good care, my friend. Keeping you close in heart, thought and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of David's passing. I've been reading your blog for a long time now, and worried along with every one of your followers when David had medical issues that put him in the hospital for a while. We just got used to him getting better and coming back to the blog. He will be missed and so will you if you stop posting. I can understand how you feel about it now, but if you ever want to share or just keep contact with those who love you and worry about you, we all will be here and waiting. Stay strong Sherry, and just take one day at a time. I'm here for you as are many others of us who have laughed and cried along with you.
ReplyDeleteI am truly sorry for your loss Sherry. My husband also passed from this terrible disease 13 years ago. For many years I followed your blog but didn't comment for a number of reasons. I found it incredible to watch David do the things he did however eventually I stopped reading for almost the same reason but I never stopped hoping for a cure for David. Even though I didn't faithfully read your blog I would from time to time come back and read a few posts and truly enjoy seeing things were still going reasonably well for you, I marveled at David's strength and zest for life. Richard's disease came on very quickly, he became wheel chair bound within 3 months and passed within 6 months of being diagnosed.
ReplyDeleteAs devastated as you are right now, take comfort in the fact that for many years you had David at your side, holding your hand, laughing and loving with you, living the dream and making these wonderful memories. David was there for all those years of Carrie growing up, getting married, having children. How fortunate you all were. You are a strong woman and you will get through this very difficult time with the help of family and friends. You will be sad for a long time but eventually you will come to a point in time that your infectious smile and sense of awe will slip back into place and you will realize that David is with you always, no matter where you are or what you are doing. He is your biggest fan and cheering the loudest when you begin to experience life again. Take comfort in that Sherry. Regards, Deb.
My deepest sympathy to you and Carrie. I have enjoyed your blog so much over the years and always looked forward to the next posting. I hope someday you will blog again.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you with strength and peace during this difficult time. I'm sorry David had to leave the trail. You did well, Sherry.
ReplyDeleteSue
What a wonderful photo you chose for this....that beautiful smile of his. Sherry, you helped make his dream possible....caring right alongside him as he battled this disease. I know he loved his travels....and he fought mightily for so many years. Such a dear man....loving spouse...and father...and brother...and brother in law. I will always love him....and respect how he passed with such dignity. That bar has been raised. Love to you....and and Carrie.
ReplyDeleteSherry, our hearts break for you. There are not words to make any of this better. Just know that we are always here for you in whatever direction you go from here. We will always treasure the joy you and David have brought into our lives by your wonderful blog, the way you shared your love of nature and the adventures you had.
ReplyDeleteWe have been honored to know David and will always remember the man he was, the smiles, the mechanical ability, the loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed.
So sorry for your loss, Sherry. I have enjoyed reading the posts of the adventures you and David have had all these years. Please stay strong and enjoy the memories.
ReplyDeleteDoug and Dolly
Sherry, I am so sorry for you lost. I feel like I have known you for a long time thru the blog and will miss your posts. We will keep you in our thoughts....Take care.
ReplyDeleteAs a longtime blog reader I knew that this day would come but one can never be prepared. I am so very sorry for your loss and understanding your decision about the blog. Hopefully over time the ache in your heart will begin to heal.
ReplyDeleteI only recently found you. My sincerest condolences. May you find peace in your memories.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry Sherry. You have both been an inspiration. May you find your way to new horizons. Please keep in touch.
ReplyDeleteSherry,
ReplyDeleteYour words of tribute, while they’re very brief and, I know, only a tiny fraction of what you are feeling, describe David's spirit so well, and express your love and the depth of your relationship. I’m glad for no more pain for him and worry for you, but I know the emptiness feels worse. What a beautiful photo— David looks so proud of you and happy in the day’s adventure. To the end, you helped him live a fulfilled life — too short, but so full. I'm sending you love, and wishes for a decent night’s sleep, and every other tiny solace/comfort that’s possible in this impossible time.
Laurie
Sherry, I found your blog and followed along for many years, but never commented and for that I am sorry. I always marveled at David's perseverance and ability to enjoy life through his illness and treatments. A true lover of life and making the best of the hand he was dealt. I lost my husband in December of 2015 to cancer and he was much the same as David until the end. I am so sorry to read he passed away and I well understand how you feel. I know your life is turned upside down and it will take some time for you to find your new normal. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us for so long.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could remember who it was that said to me "You need to check out this blog" when I was first discovering that full-timers were chronicling their adventures. I will be forever grateful to that unknown person for helping me to find you and David. There was an immediate connection with your words and photos and then a wonderful remote friendship from our respective shared comments and other communications. Meeting you and David was a huge priority for our travels this past summer, and I'm so very happy we were able to make it happen. At the time I believed it might be my last chance to see him. Your passion for Mother Nature has made your posts very special to me. It is rare (as you know) to find like-minded, shared-spirituality in this life. I see you coming west in the future, and when you do we'll have the opportunity to share some real time together. In the meantime, take care of you, treasure your memories and the knowledge that you made all the difference in how David spend his last happy years, and take lots of time to heal. Big hugs to you and Carrie and the grands. Holding you in the light until you can once again hold it yourself.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry Sherry, and I hope you find comfort in this very difficult time! I was constantly amazed at how strong he was throughout these treatments, and impressed that the two of you did not allow it to interfere with your dream!
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