One Year RV'ing: Living My Parents' Dream

My dad’s initials were DLVZ for Daniel Lambrecht, with last name Van Zyl. It just struck me as wild and deeply meaningful as we recently embarked on an adventure of a lifetime, traveling across country in a motorhome—a Winnebago Journey DL.

I realized it was my dad’s name initials, but now that we are on the road with life slowing down drastically, many humdrum details become suddenly significant. Nothing like a good shaking and sorting of what’s in your mind during a total getaway!

This is starting to look like one of those shake-ups, even in the first days of what could be a month or even a year. We don’t know all of what this journey will entail except that it's a dream come true, one that God made possible, and one that God has ordained for sure. We are gratefully anticipating wonderful times. So, let’s see how it goes. But first off, the thing with my dad and his initials . . .

My dad loved to travel, always ready for a road trip or any kind of travel as a matter of fact. I’ll never forget his first words when he woke up from heart bypass surgery so many years ago. I was the first one he saw in the recovery room. He told me he was glad the surgery was over, so he could prepare for one last visit with us in the USA.

It was his dream. He loved America.

Sadly, the dream never came to pass, but we are comforted by the many memories of long visits prior to his heart surgery. We did everything in our power to show my mom and dad this country on the many trips, excursions, and vacations we took during their countless visits with us in the USA. It’s an understatement to say they both loved travel and trips of all kinds. My dad loved history, learning, and people in general, so this Winnebago journey rightfully bears his name.

We can safely assume we are living their dream; in my heart they are with us as we often reminisce about good times with them when we laugh out loud about what they would have done or said in any given situation.

They were two troopers for sure, flexible and adventurous with no drama. On one trip in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains so many years ago, we decided to camp instead of staying in hotels as we had planned for that particular trip. We were bored with hotels after a few nights and the mere thought of smelling bacon and fresh coffee over a fire in the wilderness first thing in the morning sealed the deal to enhance the adventure. One Walmart trip turned our hotel budget into buying camping gear. We were ready for the woods.

We decided that our family of five would sleep in the newly purchased tent while my mom and dad found comfort in the back of our Ford Aerostar van. The seats folded into what could be perceived as a bed, with which the two seventy-something-year-old parents were all on board. No complaints from them—not even when they had to crawl onto the bed with very little room between their noses and the roof of the van. Loving every moment, we made a fire and enjoyed a good wood-fire grilled steak with smores and all. Two nights later we were back in a hotel. The journey continued. Fun times!

So here’s to all those wonderful parents who raised us and gave us everything in their power to succeed.

Some gave stuff, others gave themselves, and most gave both. My parents left us a lifetime’s worth of funny and meaningful stories by their sacrifices, lifestyles, and support for us as their children. We savor the stories and find great strength by their legacies. Boy, do we need those—and courage, as that is what it takes to truly enjoy and love life to the fullest.

In a way, we are all in part products of our parents’ input and choices, but each generation and each parent is also a pioneer. My parents pioneered new territories that were far beyond what their parents were able to give them, and so did we.

Without a pioneering spirit the fiber of the family weakens for sure.

We can’t blame our limitations on our parents and live in a victim mindset, but have to rise beyond and realize it’s our assignment and the will of God to conquer new lands for our kids and also for us.

No matter what your parents did or didn’t do, let it be a reminder to never stop dreaming and conquering, for your sake and that of your kids.

So, let the journey continue! Gather up all the goodness in your life to propel you and your kids to the life ahead that God has prepared for you! Onward, DL, let’s see where this road takes us.

3.30.2017

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Photo: Mom and Dad on that very trip, can't believe I found the picture! Yes, she was a lady, that is how she traveled and camped, in her "sloppy" clothes!