The World of Grandpa Don

Do You Have Travel Plans?

Invariably, this is the question posed every time I sit in the barber chair. I don't always go to the same barber and so they don't know me well. When I retired, I got the same question from many people. 

Many people thrive on travel. Vacations from work and the daily routine refresh the mind. There is benefit in broadening one's world to include beautiful and different places. I thoroughly enjoyed many of the places I visited when in the Navy. Anne and I enjoyed an occasional vacation trip. We very much appreciated the opportunity to spend some time "living in the manner to which we would like to be accustomed" on the annual Kelso-Burnett spring management meetings at resorts in Tucson, Palm Springs, or San Diego. More than 'the good life' and the warm weather after a cold winter, we particularly enjoyed the camaraderie of nice people, a chance to better know our associates and their families. But we were always happy to be home at the end. Neither of us enjoyed the hassle of travel, especially at the airports and on the planes. And, that was long before 9/11.

As a young married couple we could not afford fancy vacations and Anne always contended that if she couldn't have it at least as good as she had it at home, it was no vacation. As the kids grew, there were always baseball games or other activities that took priority. Mini vacations were trips to baseball tournaments in distant towns. Later when we had the funds available we used them to make our home more comfortable and pleasant. We broadened our minds through good books and good friends. When asked if we would not want to see the mountains or a national forest, Anne would reply, "I've seen a rock", I've seen a tree". It isn't that we did not appreciate beauty, it's that we were happy at home. 

In later years, any vacation that involved walking was out of the question for Anne and the only cruise that created a spark of interest, would have been to Alaska. If you are inclined to travel, do not wait. For years we talked about going for a relaxing trip to Mackinaw Island. We finally made reservation at the Grand Hotel for our 45th anniversary. A few days before our departure date, Anne was born to Eternal Life. If you are going to do it, ... do it!

There was a time that only the very rich could afford to travel and to travel was a status symbol. I think that as the ordinary person became more financially able and travel was made available to them, it too was, in part, a status symbol as well as an escape from their everyday existence. The ability to travel became a goal in life. And for many, it is a good, healthy way to add variety and interest to their lives. But, ... it is not my goal.

As I mentioned, We put our resources and efforts into our home. For many years, that included a swimming pool. The last one was a 24' round pool with a heater. Anne and I enjoyed it and it also served to gather our grandchildren and the rest of the family. It was a joy to have them here. That in itself was a reason to stay at home. We enjoyed seeing our grandchildren often and in all their activities. I still do. We built our home into a very comfortable and pleasant retirement resort. Of course, when the 15 year old pool was in need of major repairs or replacement, and the grandkids were so involved in other summer activities that they didn't have time to come to swim often, it was replaced with the gazebo and grandpa's garden.

I have no desire to abandon my home for the winter because of all the disadvantages of doing so. To be away from family is not what I want. To be away from my Church is not what I want. And, I have not found a winter that didn't have it's own beauty and charm. The garden was designed to be beautiful in all seasons. 

Some say, "You must go to Medjugorje, there are miracles there". A pilgrimage to a holy place can be beneficial, an act of submission, penance or glorification. I have no need to search in far places for miracles. They happen often in our lives. The greatest miracle of all occurs at Mass in our local church. You just need to believe.

No, I don't plan to travel, ... I live here.

p.s. 2005
I went on a pilgrimage to Rome, and Assisi. It was the greatest thing I have done in my later years. Never say "never".