VanTrekker
Well-known member
We've had some developments lately and I wanted to share how this unusual living arrangement is helping my Dad and I in a way I didn't anticipate. Some of us in the group are caregivers and live on someone's property. Some are concerned about where to go after a change. For me, it is a bit different.<br><br>Dad had a fall about 10 days ago. I was out camping at the time and he had to travel by ambulance to the hospital. Dad was physically undamaged but was pretty disoriented. He has a number of other health issues as well. Dad (of his own volition) agreed with the doctors' recommendation and went to assisted housing. (He is the only man there and surrounded by 24 women!) He likes many things about the place. It's an awesome facility.<br><br>Unfortunately, today we received bad news following some testing. Dad has the big "A" and must have 'round the clock care. Faced with worries and anxiety for months over how to help Dad the most, there was no decision to be made on my part. Sis and I are united in our support for the doctors' opinions. The docs told Dad he cannot live in his house any more due to memory issues and he will need a higher level of help than I can provide. He doesn't mind assisted living and all is working out smoothly.<br><br>What I did not expect is that vandwelling is continuing to help me help Dad even after he has moved to his new home. The old house is needing some heavy duty cleaning after years of "collecting" and "felines gone wild". For as long as it takes to make the home liveable / marketable, I will be residing in the driveway in my van (with shore power and a bathroom). The neighbors all know it and are cool with it.<br><br>Eventually the house may have to be sold and the money put toward his care. Dad laughed a little and said to live in the driveway as long as possible - the state may take his house some day anyway so I should park there as long as I can. His exact words about the state were "Awww, pi$$ on those bast**ds. They pick on old people. " Ya gotta love seniors - they don't mince words!<br><br>I am so glad that I did not have to commit him. It would have been an agonizing decision. Nature is taking its course. I thank God that things worked out as they did... as well as they could under the circumstances. All of our family relationships are still very strong and Dad's got his dignity intact. What a blessing! I am sad to see him decline but hopeful he will enjoy the last months or years of his life.<br><br>So, I'll still be terrorizing the neighborhood... the tie dye wearing guy living in a white van in a driveway. That's okay though. The van has helped to take my mind off what is not important (stress, debt, mental health problems, etc.) and helped me focus on the most important things in life: family, fishing, fitness, and fun. <br><br>Sis, Dad and I were reminded today of our mortality. Life is too short not to enjoy it and take care of each other and ourselves. Have a good one... or make it a good one!<br><br>Bradford aka "Van Trekker"<br><br>