So, by now it's no secret that Barb and I have had some pretty big RV issues this trip and are now marooned in Marlow, OK until our RV is once again certified 'seaworthy'. I have always practiced good preventative maintenance procedures on the RV. The only problems we had experienced to this point were, unfortunately self-inflicted. We did suffer a mishap in Shiloh, IL when I didn't see a pretty big washout on the right side of a tight turn into the park and bent the rear entry stairs. Our RV is 35' and as such the turning radius can be critical. I just didn't see this before it happened. This is still awaiting maintenance as we have just changed our entry/exit to the front door.
However, 3 days later we discovered we had blown a wheel bearing on the rear axle. When I finally found a mobile repairman to help us, we discovered not only the wheel bearing was destroyed but the brakes and entire internal structure was burned, including the spindle. All needed to be replaced. Additionally, to our sad surprise we discovered the mounting bracket to the rear TorFlex axle was completely severed. Initially we didn't think these two issues were related, but now believe they were. It is by the sheer grace of God that the entire bearing assembly as well as wheel didn't fail catastrophically while on the road and exit the vehicle. It was recommended that the welded axle 'fix' would not be guaranteed to last so we agreed to a new axle as well.
After a week of coordinating, searching, and visiting the closest Dexter Axle Factory in El Reno, OK repair guys was able to special order a new axle with just a 10 day build and 4-day shipping time.
By now you'd think we would have reached as well as exceeded our limits of sanity/stress limits. Believe me it has been hard, yet since my mom's passing, I have been in this vacuum of emotionless and wonder if this hasn't helped. Things could be worse. We can afford the repairs, just have to accomplish all this not on our own schedule. We're retired and our schedule has always been fluid. We're in our grandson's hometown so there is the priceless opportunity to spend more time with him. I have been trying to deal with the adversity of aging and stress......growing older gracefully, but this time while Barb set into her forecast mindset of comforting me and cautioning me not to let this ruin our trip, I discovered that I was able to overcome this more easily than I would have imagined. Barb has always been my 'Rock'. I love her for this. This time I think I surprised even her. I'm not going to turn this into a cathartic post about dealing with the frustrations of like, but I did find this useful. Funny how age puts the really important things into the proper perspective.
According to Robert Half in his 11 methods to deal with adversity and moving on these are the principal caveats.
- Embrace it
- Practice Self Compassion
- Master Your Emotions
- Make Humor Your Ally
- Engage In Wellness
- Purge the Clutter
- Be Grateful
- Develop a Growth Mindset
- Cling To Your Purpose
- Maintain Confidence In Your Capabilities
- Reflect & Move On
It seems that time has proven to many of us that adversity is inevitable and that some are able to flourish in trying times, while others seem to struggle to get out of bed in the morning. Those that exhibit authentic resilience find ways to not just navigate the murky waters of uncertainty, but rather transform adversity into opportunity. They see it as an essential fuel for life’s journey. I don't necessarily subscribe to all of these points but did touch on most of them to get through this.
So, during the coming days we embraced the delay and set sail on finding a new happiness. Of course, as time and parts updates surfaced, so did we. We have spent time each day with our grandson and his family, helped out with driving/transportation chores, and enjoyed several nights dining out at Esperanza, Smoking Joes Rib Ranch, Meers, Store, and Dicintio's Pizza.
INSERT MEERS PIC HERE
I set my feet firmly in the kitchen and provided meals for us as well as Brock several times a week during our stay. I only wish I could have cooked some Q. I even perfected a couple new recipes for Thanksgiving Cupcakes and BBQ Elote' Cups. Some days Brock ate with us and somedays he did his own thing. 22 years old now, the visits evolve.
German Scalloped Potatoes with Bratwurst, Onions, Green Pepper, and Cheese
ROTEL Meatloaf
Schwenkbraten
We took day several trips to Lawton, OK to the Classic Comic Book Store, Harbor Freight, Whataburger, and even up to the Wichita Mountains one day. We also did some local geocaching, a hobby we seldom get to enjoy. We consider ourselves very lucky to enjoy the friendship of our in-laws Rickey and Frankie Blundell. They have always welcomed us with open arms and unlimited hospitality.
What was scheduled to be a 4-day visit turned into a 3 1/2-week vacation. I have to give BIG UPS to M & M Trailer Services of Marlow and Dexter Axle for their 'rush custom order'. Their staff was very skilled and helpful on sight and kept me honestly in the loop once we decided to buy new and not weld the axle break.
Marlow Truck Repair - K & B Repair (mmtrailerservice.com) We also had them remove the rear entry stairs as we plan on replacing/upgrading them. I have to say the work was excellent and the final price was about half of what I expected. Barb the Rock was always there. The fur babies never know the difference, as long as they get their food, treats, and cuddles every day. Well, we missed out on the Lockhart BBQ Festival, but will now head straight to Leakey for our winter. In the end we're safer for our travels and our family is still intact.
“Every adversity has the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit.” The true secret to success is the ability to embrace adversity as a chance to change ourselves and our situation.
Napolean Hill
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