So I Bought A Camper Van…
Hello, my name is Heather and I just bought a Camper Van! I can’t actually believe that this is my real life. A little bit about me… My name is Heather. I am a 50 year old Pediatric Physical Therapist that has spent the last 15 years giving 1000% to raising my three amazing sons on my own. My boys (actually men, but to me always boys) are the absolute greatest things I have done with my life, and I love them more than words can ever say. In addition to single momming it for the last decade and a half, I have been running a small private pediatric physical therapy practice and traveling with my boys as much as we could afford.
Yellowstone National Park 2024
As with most seasons of life, my single mom journey changed drastically when my youngest entered the military. As of July 2024, all 3 of my boys have gone off into the world to live their lives, and I could not be happier for them. However that means I am now an empty nester. So what to do what to do???
In my infinite wisdom I have decided to sell my home and most of my earthly possessions to buy a camper van. Needless to say not everyone in my life has agreed with this decision and many of you may not either. But, this is the decision I have made and I am here to tell you all about it. I want to share the highs and the lows of this journey to see as much of this beautiful country as I can.
My decision to set off on this adventure has actually been well thought out and planned for by both me and my kids. I have always loved to travel and adventure. Each year I planned and saved to take my boys on some sort of summer trip to a new and exciting place. These trips were some of the best times we had as a family. Our adventures took us on a road trip from Florida to Maine, to 3 of the Hawaiian Islands, to the Grand Canyon, and to countless National Parks including Yellowstone, Glacier, Arches, and Grand Tetons. As much as I loved each of the trips, I was always sad when they ended. I felt like we had rushed through the areas to see as much as possible in our short amount of time. So, when I was thinking about how I would live my new life as an empty nester, travel that allowed me to explore in a deep and meaningful way without rushing was my number one goal.
As most of us do, I started researching on YouTube and other social media platforms to see how other people were traveling. In my search I came upon Van Life and was intrigued. So, I began following van lifers, researching the cost, and making plans. All of these details I will go in depth on in future posts, but for now I just want you to know that my desire to both take my time exploring this county and live a simpler life led me to purchasing my beautiful new Camper Van, Lucy.
Lucy is ready for pick up, so I am on my way to Detroit to meet her, learn how to use her, and start seeing the country. I am feeling all of the feels. I am excited beyond words, terrified, and completely out of sorts, but as with most big things in life we have to Do It Scared. And so, this scared single momma is going to do just that. Lucy here I come.
