On the Road with Marv Taking Charge

On By Lois RoelofsIn aging, books, chicago, friends, Health, memoir, travel, writing

Have books, will travel! Marv wanted our story told of his terminal lung cancer. So that’s my focus this week. I wanted to hand it to siblings first and that meant a trip to Michigan (from South Dakota). I checked the airlines, but traveling with a few hundred books did not sound fun to me. So I drove. Took three days. Had fun with my classical music, hymns played on a piano, country music, and a dose of NPR.

So far I’ve put on over 800 miles. I’ve gotten some interesting comments. Seems like a solo road trip is not on many older people’s bucket list, much less driving around Chicago. I admit there were a few times when I was sandwiched between two semi’s in the wind and the rain where everyone was going 80, that it dawned on me that I maybe should have my head examined. But I reminded myself to keep my hands on the wheel. And firmly told myself that those times were not good times to panic.

I’m enormously thankful I can do this trip. Not everyone can at my age, 81, and I know the day will come when I can’t. So this week I will give a few presentations on the book and meet up with small groups of family and friends, including high school and nursing school classmates and former nursing students.

I will share our message: you, as a patient, always have a choice when it comes to cancer. You can choose treatment or not. Marv did not. He chose quality of life over quantity and to die at home.

Wave if you see me flying by! If you notice that I have a flat tire or something, please stand on your head (or hands) to catch my attention. Car mechanics are not my thing.

I stopped off at White Fence Farm, SW of Chicago, a place where we’d gone over 2o years ago.

Clearly, it’s a place to eat! They have seating for 1100 people at one time.

14 thoughts on “On the Road with Marv Taking Charge”

  3. Sherry Haan

    I grew up in Chicago! (Roseland until 1966, then suburban Lansing) Mom and Dad used to like White Fence Farm, and took us 5 kids there once in 1973. I still remember that night (age 69 now.)

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    1. Fun! I’d asked the hotel clerk for restaurant suggestions. I looked them up and they didn’t appeal. So I asked Google and got WFF. I had no idea it was only 2 miles away. I had to go for old times sake!

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  6. Kathy

    Continued safe travel. Looking forward to seeing you at Hope on Sunday. Hoping you have an extra copy of your book with you that’s not already accounted for.

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  7. Enjoy your trip. I enjoyed the book–read it over two days. I’d followed your blog during this time, and I loved getting more details. Bravo to all of you for your courage and willingness to show up. Happy driving!

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