What now??

[falconbrother]

My wife of 37 years and RV partner passed away. She and I loved to load up the dogs and go camping. We started in a van camper in 1987.

In 2017 we went together to CW and bought a new travel trailer together. That was the first new rig we ever bought. The plan was to finish her puppy's championship in the AKC and then enjoy the camping. Now none of that will ever happen.

Now I look at that RV and I don't feel any interest in RVing at all. It was fun because it was us.

[ventrman]

falconbrother wrote:
My wife of 37 years and RV partner passed away. She and I loved to load up the dogs and go camping. We started in a van camper in 1987.

In 2017 we went together to CW and bought a new travel trailer together. That was the first new rig we ever bought. The plan was to finish her puppy's championship in the AKC and then enjoy the camping. Now none of that will ever happen.

Now I look at that RV and I don't feel any interest in RVing at all. It was fun because it was us.

I would give you some advice that a dear friend gave me when my wife of 18 years died. He said, Greg do something for yourself and do something to change your environment. I got rid of the hospital bed so I did not have to dwell on her being back there suffering and I could do nothing about it. Then I took a trip back to the Yakima, WA area ***** I grew up. When I got back to Nashville, TN a friend told me, Greg you look 10 years younger than you did the last time I saw you. Good luck and God Bless!

[LindaAnn]

I am so sorry for your loss. It's so very hard to lose a life's partner. I would not presume to give advice, but just a suggestion or something to think about. My first husband passed in 2000 (also after 37 years of marriage). I began writing "letters" to him...if you should decide to keep the RV and take some trips, maybe you could keep a notebook and write to her, telling her what you saw or what you did. I have also painted little red hearts on rocks and left them in places I had wanted us to see together. I hope you can make the decision that you think she would want you to.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

First - my deepest sympathy. Re the trailer - I guess it would boil down to how much "effort/risk" it takes to keep it. If I had to pay for storage (and risk a possible break-in while in storage) - I would probably sell the RV since it's probably at its peak value at the moment. If it was on my property, safe and sound and not really costing me any money - I would probably wait.

If I lost my husband, I would probably do what ScottieMom has done - downsize and seek a group of like-minded campers

[mdcamping]

Sorry for your loss, I agree maybe take a step back and wait awhile, seek support from family & friends. I hope the healing starts soon and maybe you will be back on the open road.


Mike

[bp19]

Mark,

Sorry for your loss. I read her obituary and saw she was amazing and too young. God bless you and give you His joy.

Bob

[valhalla360]

Lwiddis wrote:
I am so sorry for your loss. I counsel surviving partners frequently and advise that you make no rash decisions RE camping or anything else.

It's tough but unless you are desperate for the money from selling, another vote for sit tight for at least a few months.

[DCS7]

It is the most overwhelming period of your life when you lose a spouse. As others have mentioned, I too lost my husband 3 1/2 years ago. Take time to mourn her loss. At some point it may be more obvious what you want to do. I’ve stayed with RVing on my own but it is different. Grief affects us all differently, listen to your heart and know God is with you.

[Mr_Mark1]

I too lost my spouse 1.5 yrs ago, seems like yesterday. I kept the big coach for exactly one year then downsized.

I do feel a little bit lost but have many friends and family around.

I want to keep rv’ing and hope time will heal the loss.

Safe travels.
MM.

[Scottiemom]

I am so sorry for your loss. I know what that feels like. One year ago yesterday I lost my husband of almost 50 years. We fulltimed the last 15 years of his life. We had just bought a home in Florida as he wanted to start snowbirding and using Florida as a base since our son lives there.

We had 2 motorhomes. A 40 Phaeton diesel pusher and a 22' gas B+ (which we bought to take to Alaska). We had kept the little one because we loved it and planned to do some older state parks where smaller is better.

I had always driven both, so it was no problem. My DH died on the road, so when I got his ashes back, I drove back to Florida and emptied the big rig out, cleaned it inside and out and sold it within a 6 weeks. I kept the little one.

I joined a Women's RV group, the Florida chapter, hoping to continue camping with like minded individuals. A lot of members are widows who wanted to keep on camping like I did. It has been a good experience and a healing one at that.

It is different being on my own for sure. But I am trying to continue to enjoy things we used to do together. I was not content to stay at home after 15 years on the road. I am currently in Indiana in my little rig due to the death of my Mom. Her funeral is tomorrow, then I am heading south once again.

Best wishes to you.

Dale

[winnietrey]

My DW died 2 years ago. I sold the RV, just to many memories, and they still sell them, so you can buy another if you choose.

Gods Speed,

[rexlion]

May time and love soothe your hurt. Until then, know that it is totally normal and natural to grieve.

[philh]

Sorry for your loss.

As said above, don't make any decisions now. Give it some time.

[Moderator]

It happened to me a few years ago and we had a trip planned. Inside I knew she would want me to take it so I packed the dogs an went on the two week trip. It was hard at first but then realized it was the right thing to do; for both of us. I am able to relate to your situation.

[jdc1]

Time will heal your soul. Hopefully you have family and friends close by to fill the void from her passing.

[dedmiston]

I think this is everyone's worst nightmare, to work so hard towards our dream retirement and then lose the partner whom we've loved for so long and built the dream with.

My heart goes out to you.