Perspective is critical, when confronted by challenges and obstacles. This trip has definitely presented us with a slew of those recently. And if Meg and I were easily swayed by adversity, we would have never left our home after my diagnosis. But we are not, so what to do? Our choice is to reframe our perspective, our frame of mind.

So instead of catastrophes and trip ending events, we have chosen to call them “hidden blessings.”

Allow me to share why. You see, these tests of patience, stress and resolve, have in fact allowed us to meet some amazing people.

• The staff at Northern Light Medical Center of Maine, RN’s, CNA’s, Allied Staff, and physicians. First off, the Emergency Department RN’s, were accommodating, letting Meg to sleep in the room with me. A bed did not become available until the following day. Once admitted, we discovered the wing was brand new, the room was very spacious, they installed a ceiling lift, once they found out I have ALS. Meg was spoiled by the staff, she would wake in the morning to a fresh cup of coffee waiting for her. We would share our life with them and they started following us and promise to watch the movie. We were simply blown away by the attention and warm sincere care.
• The RV Campground in Maine, allowing us to extend our stay, beyond our initial reservation.
• Freightliner representative when Meg called in, after the RV broke down two miles from our next RV Campground in Vermont. Oh yeah, did I mention that? Well, about that, rolling down the highway, the RV check engine light comes on. Not only that, but it also says stop engine now! Meg pulled over, and began researching the user manual. In the end we decided to call the customer service number. Again, we were blown away by the genuine concern exhibited by the representative. Atypical to what we expect, we didn’t get a person who is condescending or mansplains everything. A most pleasant surprise. He promptly finds the nearest service center and an hour later, Big Blue is on the way to the shop. The tow truck driver was, again, a genuinely kind gentleman. He took the time to explain everything, even giving us the service manager name and offering suggestions on where to stay and eat.
• Charleboise Freightliner Service Center of Vermont, services manager, service tech. Oh boy. First off, they worked closely with the warranty rep and come to find out, it is covered! Not only that, but once the initial repair is complete, oh I didn’t mention that? Turned out to be a blown exhaust manifold hose. But, here’s the catch, the hidden blessing. The review of the vehicles records identified some safety recalls we were unaware of. Additionally a couple of none urgent service needs. Again, a hidden blessing! Given our situation, they allowed us to stay on their property overnight, with electric hook up. If the parts are available by Friday morning, they will try to fix it that day. If not, then Monday it is.
• AT Conversions, the makers of the converted truck I use. But why them, TJO? Well, let me splain Lucy. What happened after a fantastic breakfast, we left the restaurant on our way to explore the area, Meg noticed smoke in the cabin of the truck. What !? Yep, smoke, and a very strong smell of burning rubber. WTF! What can go wrong now? Well, the hydraulic motor that opens the door to the truck malfunctioned and burnt out. The same motor was replaced in May. Now, here comes the hidden blessing, the God-wink, some would say… There is a Mobility Works dealership 10 miles away. God-wink! Meg called them and less than 20 minutes later we are at the dealership, after the GM picked us up in an accessible van. He and his service manager work directly with the ATC service manager via phone and email. The parts are being shipped overnight, and the service manager will work on Friday, his day off. Now the challenge is, will they have a rental available for us ? Not only do they, but the GM decided to comp the rental. Seriously!
• Ben n Jerry’s, yes, their headquarters is in Stowe, Vermont. This is a bucket list item for us, it’s ice cream for God’s sake! Well as expected, the ticket clerk for the tour asked how our day is going… que Meg! After recounting our recent adventures, the clerk gave us a free scoop of ice cream each. Which we each enjoyed, Meg had half Salted Caramel Blondie, and I had Cherries Garcia, yummy!
• Hotel receptionist, so, because we have to sleep somewhere, we had to get a hotel. As Meg is checking in, once again she retells our day and recent events. The receptionist is compelled to give her a free round of bowling. The hotel has a bowling alley attached, and a mini-golf course, because, why not! We don’t intentionally share in order to elicit free or comped services. Honestly, we don’t. Often we simply share because someone asked, or they notice the RV. We are often blessed by individuals paying for our meal, or purchasing what we are in line to purchase. Meg has this effect on people, she, much like her mom Tina. She could talk to a poster on a wall… “so are you just hanging out ?, do you see many interesting people ?, ” I’m not exaggerating.
• Restaurant staff and manager: Once we are settled in our room, we headed out for dinner. At the receptionists recommendation we hit The Bench, just down the road. We are seated shortly after arriving and we are treated to a delicious meal. While enjoying our meal, I noticed the staff doing a phenomenal job. They swiftly swarm an empty table, and have it ready immediately, the unique element was that it wasn’t just the bussers, but the hosts and the manager. An impressive dance and attention to detail. Meg and I believe that I when you witness or receive good service, you acknowledge it. So I asked Meg and to mention this to the GM. She did, and to our surprise he offered us a complimentary dessert. It’s not a monumental gesture, but so still a small blessing to top off a lousy day.

We have come to accept that which we cannot control. More importantly to accept that every day we are together is a blessing, and each challenge is an opportunity to open our minds and hearts to special hidden blessing. Especially if we are witness to the kindness of perfect strangers, proving that people are in general… good.

As such, Meg and I wish you many hidden blessing. Keep your hearts and eyes open to them, they may be disguised as something not so obvious.

TJO