We were supposed to be on the road today, heading west and north to our summer volunteer job on the Oregon coast. But two Saturdays ago, after a delightful dinner out with friends, we came home, turned the AC down and lost electricity in the RV. And we smelled something burning.
We followed the smell to the 30 amp plug in the sewage compartment where you attach the power cord when traveling. The power cord that was plugged into the RV park’s electric post, was fine. The damage seemed to be contained inside our plug box, thank God. But without electricity or the use of the generator, we quickly packed up some things and arrived at my Dad’s house at 11:30 pm.
Fortunately, we’d been there the week before, when the RV was getting a new toilet. So we were all comfortable and familiar with the space and each other. On Monday we drove the RV back to the repair place. We knew their schedule was full, but they said they’d fit us in, and have it done by Friday. So we got a few more things out of the RV and settled into my Dad’s house for the week.
His girlfriend was out of town, so he was staying at his house for the duration. It was a great opportunity for us to observe him in his element, to see how capable he really is, living alone. He cooks, cleans, does his own laundry, and even trims the tree branches. Yes, he forgets things, but that’s to be expected for an 88 year old.
We all got along, him doing his thing, us doing ours. Sometimes we shared a meal, sometimes we ate on our own schedules. My dad is not a dog person, so he and Cody mostly ignored each other, but one morning, I did hear him say to Cody, “Hello. Good morning,” and it made me smile.
My dad is also not a reminiscer. He is a mathematician and an engineer. Life is about problems and solutions, and having things under control. Whenever I ask him, “Do you remember…?” He says, “No. It was a long time ago.” So I was tickled when he showed me the stack of Father’s Day cards I’d made for him over the years.
Staying with him at the house made it easier to take care of some big Dad projects: he now has a current Medical Power of Attorney, naming Marika as his person, he donated his car to KJZZ, and we met with his doctors so my Dad could hear the realities of his future with end stage kidney disease.
And I’ve been able to thank all of the nurses and neighbors who are my father’s village. One nurse, who genuinely enjoys taking care of my dad said, “You’re so nice. You must take after you mom.” Because he can also be abrupt and obstinate and rude.
In the midst of the RV and my Dad, we’ve also been doing a lot of hoop dancing with the medical insurance world. Marika’s application on my BCBS policy was declined, and she had some missing information in her ACA application, so we’ve been plowing through the paperwork for appeals and extensions. And, since we’re here, and Marika’s current insurance is only good in this county, she’s been making some medical appointments.
The RV is still at the repair place because the fridge keeps turning off. They first thought it was a propane issue, but when we went back last Friday to pick it up, the fridge was still shutting off. Now they think we need new batteries, so we’ll see. And so our departure date is still up in the air.
It’s been pretty stressful all around, for Marika, especially. So we’ve been trying to stay calm and present and grateful. In the past, I’d be go crazy, not knowing when we’re leaving, when we’re getting to Oregon, what’s up for the next few days. But instead, I’m flowing with the changes, doing a lot of deep belly breathing, and appreciating This. Here. Now.
And we are saying a lot of thank you’s. For a comfortable and welcoming house to stay in, for my Dad’s hospitality, great air conditioning, really fast internet, and a big fenced yard for Cody to play in. That the short in the RV plug didn’t turn into a huge electrical fire. And that we can extend our stay in town until we feel the RV is really fixed and ready for the road.
I’ve been using the Heart Sparks cards to ground myself these past few weeks, sometimes choosing a random card, and some days, pulling out the ones I know I need, like SURRENDER and FLOW and BE.
And getting the Heart Sparks cards out into the world has kept my heart light and open. Decks are now available at Storm Wisdom in Phoenix, and at SWIHA in Tempe. This means the first 100 decks are out in the world! And that makes me goosebumpy happy.
I’m now taking orders for the second bulk order, so if you’d like to purchase a deck, email me for the details!
From my very grateful, flowing heart to yours!
