Kayla Mathieu
The End of an Era
We have officially reached the end of an era and are embracing a new beginning. Here is the scoop – we’re hitting the road full time in an RV and it’s pretty much the finale of our regular-life season. Initially, I tossed the idea of blogging into the “nope” basket. Honestly, who would actually bother reading my rambles, right? Plus, I’m not exactly what you’d call “tech savvy”. Trying to get a website up and running seems vastly unobtainable.
Surprise, surprise – if you’re skimming through these words, it means I somehow managed to wrestle the tech-beast and put together this blog. Shoutout to all you lovely people who pushed me to spill my thoughts online and to everyone tagging along for the ride. 🚐✨
Today is like the last page of a hefty chapter, the end of an era. And tomorrow? Tomorrow, we will embrace a new beginning. It’s like flipping to a blank page, totally fresh and a bit scary. All the jitters, heart pounding, and second-guessing myself—yep, there’s plenty of that. Why on earth did we choose to say ‘goodbye’ to our cozy home and almost everything we own to squeeze into an RV? Here’s a quick overview on us and what made us go for such a wild ride of a decision.
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Our Story
My name is Kayla, and I was recently employed as a circulating Registered Nurse in the operating room. As a side gig, I taught aerial silks and I have been teaching for 3 years. My husband, Colton, will continue to work remotely while we travel. He enjoys hunting and fishing. Colton is the levelheaded of the two of us. I’m the dreamer, he’s the planner and researcher. To be honest, I have no idea how I convinced him to move into an RV.
Rylen
Our decision to transition into life on the road in an RV was significantly influenced by our son Rylen, who is 12 years old. Rylen’s early years were challenging, having been diagnosed at age seven with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). His journey has included stays in a behavioral health hospital, expulsions from multiple daycare programs, and repeated suspensions from school.
In pursuit of support and treatment for Rylen, he has been under the care of a psychiatrist. He has also received attention from psychologists and counselors. He has engaged in various forms of therapy, and we have explored every possible avenue for his well-being, including special education programs, medical prescriptions, vitamin supplements, and diet modifications.
To deepen our comprehension of his conditions and how to support him, Colton and I participated in a 6-week course offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
At that juncture, we were warned of the possibility that his behavioral issues might one day involve the legal system. This was a prospect I was initially disinclined to entertain. Yet, in an unfortunate turn of events, he found himself apprehended following an altercation at the school for special education. This incident served as a harsh reality; the public education system was failing him. After considerable deliberation, we concluded that homeschooling was the necessary alternative. However, such a decision entailed my withdrawal from the workforce. Consequentially, this meant embracing a more modest way of life. It was these circumstances that led us to the decision of embracing life on the road in an RV.
Lylah
One of the challenges we currently face pertains to our daughter, Lylah, who is six years old. Her vibrant spirit makes her the center of attention, and she has a profound affinity for socializing with her peers. Her interests extend to dresses and accessories, traits typical of her age. However, her enthusiasm for the outdoors is equally pronounced.
At the tender age of two months, we introduced her to camping, an experience that has since become a foundational aspect of her upbringing. Subsequent to that inaugural trip, she has participated in numerous camping excursions and even an ice fishing excursion, spending nights in a shack on a frozen lake. Lylah shows no hesitation in engaging with nature, whether it involves muddying her feet or catching fish.
Despite her adaptability and evident joy in such activities, there remains a concern that separation from her friends could impact her. The potential for her to miss the companionship of her peers is a source of worry as we continue to nurture her connection with nature.
Doodle the Cat
Our family includes a 16-year-old cat who, back in June, received a diagnosis of liver cancer. At the time, his prognosis seemed dire, and I had doubts he would make it to see our trip. However, against the odds, he’s still with us. Consequently, we have repurposed the RV’s shower space to accommodate his litter box. This adjustment means we must ensure each campsite we select is equipped with suitable shower facilities.
The End of an Era and New Beginnings
This marks a milestone for us; it signifies our irrevocable decision. The end of an era. Today we bid farewell to our home—it’s an ending, and yet the beginning of a new chapter. Surprisingly, the anticipated sorrow has given way to an openness to change. The exhausting weeks spent methodically packing and selling our possessions have left me primed for this transition. Presently, my sole reluctance centers around losing the comfort of my private shower.
Adapting to the use of communal facilities is a prospect I look forward to with little enthusiasm. Nonetheless, if this is the extent of my concerns, I am confident in my capacity to overcome this challenge. It is the end of an era of comfortability and embracing a world of new challenges and uncertainty.
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