Hello, dear readers. It’s been a while since I last wrote here at Travel Fam Life. The world has changed in unimaginable ways, and so have I. Today, I’m reaching out to reconnect with you, share my journey over the past few years after the loss of my husband. Also, to talk about what lies ahead for this blog and our community.
Table of Contents
The Unexpected Pause: Navigating Life During the Pandemic
The last post I wrote was back in early 2020, just before the world turned upside down. At that time, I was enjoying a camping trip with friends and family at Surfside, TX—a place that has always been a cherished getaway for us. The sun, sand, and sea provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation, and we had no idea that our world was about to change so drastically.
Like so many others, we found ourselves stocking up on essentials. I’ll never forget the rush to gather supplies, and yes, we stocked up on toilet paper like everyone else. We ended up with enough to last us at least a year, which became a running joke in our household.
Around the same time, I was also volunteering at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, an event that holds a special place in my heart. The rodeo had always been a highlight of the year, a time to connect with the community and celebrate our shared passions. But in an unprecedented move, the event was canceled mid-way through due to the pandemic. The abrupt end to the rodeo was a stark reminder of how serious the situation had become.
For a blog like Travel Fam Life, the pandemic was an immense challenge. I found it difficult to write about travel when it was no longer a safe or viable option. The adventures that once fueled my passion were replaced with lockdowns, social distancing, and a new normal that none of us could have anticipated.
A Heartbreaking Loss: The Passing of My Husband
Then, in 2021, my life changed forever when I lost my husband. His passing was sudden and devastating, leaving a void that words can hardly describe. He was not just my partner in life but also my greatest supporter in all our adventures, both on and off the road.
Losing him shattered my world. The grief was overwhelming, and for a long time, I didn’t know how to move forward. Writing about travel, which had always been a source of joy, seemed impossible. Every destination reminded me of the places we had been together, and the thought of going on without him felt unbearable.
But in the midst of this sorrow, I found strength in our shared memories. The trips we took, the places we saw, and the experiences we had together became a source of comfort. It was a reminder that life, even in its hardest moments, is meant to be lived and celebrated.
Finding My Way Back: The Healing Power of Travel
As time passed, I slowly began to heal. I realized that while my life had changed, my love for travel hadn’t diminished. In fact, it became a part of my healing process. Travel had always been a way for me to connect with the world and with myself, and I knew that it could help me find a new sense of purpose and joy.
I started to travel again, this time from a different perspective. Each journey became a way to honor my husband’s memory, to explore the world as he would have wanted us to. I found that travel, even without him, could still be meaningful and fulfilling. It was a way to keep his spirit alive in the places we loved and in the new ones I discovered on my own.
A New Chapter: What’s Next for Travel Fam Life?
Now, I’m ready to return to Travel Fam Life with a renewed sense of purpose. This blog has always been a space to share the joys of family travel, but as I start this new chapter, I want it to be more than that. I want to share not just the destinations, but the stories and emotions behind them—the experiences that make travel such a powerful force in our lives.
In the coming posts, you can expect to see a mix of content that reflects my journey over the past few years. I’ll be sharing tips for traveling during challenging times, stories of resilience and discovery, and guides to destinations that have been especially meaningful to me. I’ll also be writing about the new ways I’ve learned to appreciate travel, whether it’s through solo adventures, trips with loved ones, or even exploring the beauty of our own backyard.
Looking Ahead: Rediscovering the Joy of Travel Together
As I look ahead, I’m filled with a sense of hope and excitement. While the past few years have been incredibly challenging, they’ve also been a time of growth and reflection. I’ve learned that even in the face of loss, there is still so much to discover and enjoy in this world.
I’m grateful for the support and understanding you’ve shown during my absence. I know many of you have been through similar challenges, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can offer some comfort and inspiration.
As we embark on this new chapter together, I’m excited to reconnect with you and continue our journey of exploring the world—one trip, one story, and one memory at a time.
Thank You for Being Here
Thank you for sticking with me through this journey. Your presence means more to me than you’ll ever know. I’m looking forward to sharing more stories, tips, and experiences with you as we rediscover the joy of travel together.
Let’s embrace the adventure ahead, wherever it may lead us.
Conclusion
Returning to blogging after such a long break feels both daunting and invigorating. But I know that with your support, Travel Fam Life will continue to be a place where we celebrate the beauty of the world and the connections we make along the way.
If you’ve been through similar experiences or have thoughts on what you’d like to see on the blog, please feel free to share in the comments. I’d love to hear from you. Here’s to new beginnings and the journeys that lie ahead.
