Dilemma

Same here ,the present OH said we should use it ,which we did for several trips ,then we went to White Arches caravans for some bits as you do

I suspect Valers is still grieving deeply at the moment, but hope that like others, a decision best for her is made, and that whatever occurs, she can enjoy herself.  I doubt any of us knows how things can affect us, until they do. Life can indeed be very painful at times....

Very true and we will all react differently. I think Valers has come to the point where things need to change but she is unsure of how to achieve that and is seeking possibilities. None of us can put ourselves in her position, even those who have had similar experiences as we are indeed all different. It will be interesting to hear from Valers to see if any of the comments have helped or hindered? 

David

Indeed David. Circumstances differ and play a large part. In some ways for me it was easier than for some. I was turned 43 and had my daughter to consider. After that was no longer a primary concern and I had been in and out of a period of depression I joined and wound up running a singles group. 

My saving grace was a lifelong passion for fish and fishing. One that I had not been able to greatly embrace after marriage at age 20. Firstly college,then being a father to a toddler, then several jobs to pay the mortgage and time with daughter etc. At age 40 I started taking youngest fishing often with my wife, Sue. Our last family holiday with youngest and Sue we all fished probably one day in three and we all enjoyed it. I taught both how to fly lake and river fish, to fish coarse fish and to shore fish. 

When I got my life together I regularly fished, sea, river, lake and canal. Sea, game and coarse. I hope that for Valers her dog will provide the passion. 

Thank you for your thoughtful replies, I am still grieving and rubbish at decisions at the best of times.

When Mike was ill several friends offered to tow the van and some of them did but no one has offered since he died

Short of a miracle the van will  have to go but it will be an enormous wrench to see it being towed away, I know, don't look!

My 12 year old Springer Spaniel, Oscar, is my solace, I really do not know where I would be without him and even though I am ancient I am still working part time but know I will have to retire sometime soon - another impossible decision....................

Take it slowly, Valers, one step at a time. Good luck and be brave👍🏻

A friend of mine went through the same events about four years ago Valers, she had made up her mind to give up caravanning and sell the van. Even so it was a very difficult time for her and each decision came with very mixed emotions. A local dealer offered her a fixed price for the van and we helped her clear it out, sort items to sell etc. Everything went locally and she hung on to a few reminders for herself and the family (They'd all enjoyed years of caravanning but no-one wanted to continue for various reasons.) Life has gone on and she has a different way of doing things and taking holidays now. We miss our friend and her husband on our holidays too as we often met up, it has been sad for us all.

So take your time, do things when you are ready, let some new thoughts drift in, I do hope all goes well for you.

When my husband died I towed the caravan for three years. It’s not as hard as you might think. Because I was a member of a small motorhome club, I eventually changed to a campervan. It wasn’t much bigger than my car and had toilet and shower. I loved it. 

Nora

I think the first question is not whether to get rid of the caravan, but how do I want to take holidays. Other questions will flow from that. One very small step at a time.

Valers hasn’t been active on the forum for over 3 years so we'll probably never know the outcome or whether our suggestions helped but I hope she found a solution.