hi everyone! i'm Ella

[Cambia]

Hey, this is Ella Cambia. I just started living in my van one week ago. For the last 6 years I have been caring for my disabled husband, the past 2 years while he was on home hospice. We lived on his Social Security disability. Needless to say, my retirement funds are long gone, spent on medical bills. My Wrench-Hand died in April.

When he went onto hospice, knowing that I would have no income after he died, I started planning to live in our van. We used a 95 Dodge Magnum commuter van equipped with a lift to transport him, so it seemed feasible to convert it to a tiny house on wheels. I read and planned and figured and re-planned. I brainstormed with Wrench-hand (former carpenter, roughneck, and dialysis tech) and with my son, Son of Wrench-Hand. So I have been preparing to do this for 2 years. Mostly I've worked on getting rid of things, but Son of Wrench-Hand helped me with a little prep work ahead of time (removing all the fixtures in the van; framing out a loft bed). After Wrench-Hand died, we finished up the bed, a toilet cabinet, kitchen surface, and desk.

I'm still getting things figured out and getting rid of more things. I'm parked in the driveway of a friend for at least the summer, maybe longer. I want to get to where I can travel a little once I have a little income. It's a little scary, and a little frustrating, and pretty cool. I'm hoping to get some ideas here for improving my ability to stow things, and also info on adding a modest solar system in the future. I've been reading Bob's blog for a couple of years, and it really helped me get through the "people think I'm crazy" phase (they still do, but I don't care). Thanks for setting this up, Bob, and for being such a good mentor, all unbeknownst to you.

More as it happens,
Ella Cambia

 

[Ziggy Moon]

Hello, Ella.<br><br>I hope things turn out for the best, seems like you've already once took a realistic approach to your future and planned ahead - keep doing this.<br><br>Note: maybe you have posted this in 'Introductions' (your own thread - which might get more responses) just place another post here requesting help to move it... I think Katie, or someone else can help. If you feel fine where it is - just ignore me, lol.... I'm only trying to help, if needed.<br><br>Anyway, A Big Ole Welcome to You!!! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

 

[blkjak]

<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>welcome....blkjak</strong></span>

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

Welcome Ella, glad to have you here.

 

[wagoneer]

hello and welcome I like "wrench hand" sorta like an urban cowboy

 

[offroad]

ella. if you live on only SS income would definately like to hear more. think that folks can do this. if they plan well and are bold.&nbsp;

 

[mockturtle]

Welcome, Ella!&nbsp; My story is similar to yours.&nbsp; Good to hear that circumstances haven't beaten you down and that you retain a spirit of adventure.&nbsp;

 

[stude53]

<span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span id="post_message_1278401204" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Welcome Ella! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif"><br><br>You sound like a caring, intelligent, adventuresome individual who will do well in a rolling home ( I call it "Wheel Estate").<br><br>There are many here who will befriend you and try to help with any questions you have. We would love to see your layout and eventual build-out of your high-top van.<br><br>There are some great articles on this cheaprvliving website (Sister website on <a href="http://cheapgreenrvliving.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://cheapgreenrvliving.com/</a>, too)&nbsp;and&nbsp; great discussions&nbsp; on this forum on financial, diet, and health issues, too.<br><br>Goodluck and GodSpeed,<br>Bob</span></strong></span>

 

[Terry]

Hi Ella. <br>&nbsp;Been there and still doing that. Cathy, my wife has been in need of constant care for the last 5 years and the last three under hospice. I take care of her at home and hospice helps out with medical matters and bathing. Don't know when things will change and ain't in no hurry, but it does take a toll on a person. It sounds like you prepared yourself for the loss of your mate while doing what you had to do to care for him as long as you did. How did that turn out? I don't know what I will be able to do when Cathy passes on. I have made plans and changed them time and again&nbsp;for the last three years but I still can't even think about the actual situation and the process of coping with what will be to come. We have been married for over 38 years and that makes itself (us being a pair) a part of my life that was/is a big part of who I am.

 

[cygvan]

"wheel estate"<br><br>lol that is awesome. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">