Traveling National Parks After a GBM Diagnosis

The travel bug strikes again

Darrell and I have always been active, and we try to keep it a part of our daily routine. About two weeks after Darrell’s surgical resection of his GBM tumor, he was cleared to resume light physical activity, which meant we could walk together outside in the fresh air again. This felt like church to us! We love to travel to beautiful places and appreciate the opportunities we’re given in this life. So far, we have seen 33 national parks, and we just took a three-week trip to see eight more in August 2023 to celebrate my official retirement from teaching!

Adapt and Overcome

Darrell and I drove to and from each of the eight parks we visited on our trip in August. The trip was incredible, and we had a whole itinerary laid out. For us, traveling while on therapy has helped us establish routines we find useful, especially when hiking. We like to challenge ourselves by hiking in different conditions, and all the while Darrell never skips a beat with his treatment. This is our experience, and yours might be different. Darrell and I love a good challenge, and I once read somewhere that couples who do things that might be considered challenging are happier and closer in their relationships. In North Dakota, Darrell and I were hit with quite a surprise when we came into close contact with a rattlesnake that was coiled up in the middle of our trail! This thing was hissing and rattling like crazy, so we stood there, frozen, trying to figure out what we should do. Darrell resorted to throwing rocks at the snake until it slithered away into the bushes. This was a first for us while hiking, and let’s hope we never have to cross one of those bad boys again.

The Art of Healing

Spending time outdoors has been critical for my and Darrell’s relationship. There’s the physical part, and there’s the emotional part. When we travel, I usually pack down 25 pounds of gear while Darrell focuses on his treatment equipment. As his caregiver, I feel partially responsible for his safety anywhere we go. He’s more cautious than I am by nature anyway, but I usually have the final word on what I think is safe enough for us.

I wouldn’t have said this when Darrell was first diagnosed, but some of the best times of our lives have been post-diagnosis. It amazes me that we are where we are today. Travel has really helped us appreciate the little things in life. Sometimes, while hiking, I take a pause to look up at the sky and watch the stars. Doing this makes me realize just how small we are and how big this universe is. When I study the sky, my problems start to fade away because I know that Darrell and I are right where we’re meant to be.

Darrell and I are loosely committed to seeing every national park in the country if his health will allow it. No matter what happens, I will be at peace knowing we have both been given the opportunity to see so many incredible sights.