“Where is my mother?” the baby bird asked.
I will go and look for her,” he said.
So away he went.
He did not know what his mother looked like.
Where he would find her.
This popular children’s story speaks of the importance of belonging, finding your tribe, your people. The kitten, hen, dog, cow, were not his mother so the little bird went on. The boat, plane, and snorting steam shovel were not his mother.
Jody and I started our RV adventure on September 30, 2024. Along the way, we asked ourselves the question, “Are you, my mother?”
Our search for belonging, for community.
Perhaps it’s because 2024/2025 are political years. Perhaps it’s because we are a married couple. Perhaps it’s the insular nature of an RV park.
The answer continually echoed: we don’t belong here.
We didn’t find one couple or one person in the 210-site park we could share ourselves with.
Instead, we escaped the park in our RV to take in long breaths at the ocean. In November, I flew to Texas to buy a car, and drove it back to Florida to increase our ability to leave the RV park.
Once our search started, we decided that even though the park was beautiful and the folks friendly that it was more important to have a feeling of acceptance and inclusion.
Inching ever closer, Jody and I have given notice at our RV park and are moving to a community in Fort Myers on Saturday.
It’s important to not settle. Not try to fit in. To trust ourselves. Be proud of who we are.
Comments
4 responses to “Are You My Mother?”
Beth and Jodi, have you considered the Southwest? We’re in Mesa, Arizona, at a place that I, years ago, said I would never live. And I love it here! There’s great biking. In fact I just returned from a 40 mile ride where I was on an off road path at least 35 of the miles. There’s fabulous hiking nearby. The mountains are not as beautiful as the Colorado Rockies, but they’re still nice to look at as you ride. There are wild horses about 10 miles from us, if you are lucky enough to see them. I filmed video of two of them, up on their back legs, fighting! People here range in age from 55 to us old timers. And there are some even older than us!
Bonnie and Galen, So good to hear from you! A 40 mile bike ride! Count us in! We will definitely look at the Southwest. We have one more summer of helping with Crystel’s college expenses – by volunteering – then we will plan on a trip out to Mesa. We love to hike. There is a preserve next to us that we are taking the dogs to each morning. Biking, hiking, sounds like you found your home.
Best wishes to you both as you continue to find your way on this journey. I agree that a feeling of belonging and acceptance is vital to good health and happy days. I look forward to the next instalment of your story from Fort Myers…
Thank you, Amanda. We are enjoying hiking in the preserve next to us with our dogs. So much to expolore. A wonderful welcome to the community.