The conclusion of the story of the boy left behind

Monday, September 4 (continued)

“Good news, Cade!” I announce while climbing into the driver’s seat of the Perfect Tow Vehicle.  “I spoke with your dad and they’re on their way!  He said it will take them about ten minutes to get here.”

(Note:  Cade, age six, was left behind at Palisades Campground, Red Lodge, Montana.  Apparently his family didn’t realize Cade was still in the restroom when they drove away.  If you haven’t read the previous post, I urge you to do so before reading this one.  — Sue)

Cade relaxes at this news. 

“I wasn’t sure I remembered the numbers,” he confesses.

“You remembered perfectly,” I respond, stating the obvious.

Cade plays with Reggie and Roger while we wait.

Things are looking up.  Ten minutes.  Sheesh.  It’s been a half-hour since Cade came out of the restroom and found them gone.  I still can’t figure out the father.  If you know your son is missing, wouldn’t you have your cell phone nearby and ready to be picked up? That phone rang several times. . . . 

And his lack of reaction.  Well, to be honest with myself, I could have handled the call better.  Introduced myself first thing and explained how it is that Cade and I are at a gas station in Sinclair.  

I shouldn’t judge the man based on him not fitting into my preconceived notion of how a parent “should” sound.   Just because a guy doesn’t reveal emotion doesn’t mean he lacks emotion or is an ogre.  

 “Oh, there’s a red car.  Is that yours, Cade?”

“No, our car is bigger.  It’s about this wide.”  To illustrate, he stretches his arms as far apart as they will go and then realizes they aren’t adequate for the task.

“What grade are you in, Cade?”

Come on, people.  Show up!

“First grade,” Cade replies brightly, leaning toward the door to remove his face from canine licks.

If these parents don’t show, I’ll have to call the sheriff.  Hate to do that.  Could open a big can of worms . . . .

“THAT’S OUR CAR!” Cade exclaims.

Cade is lifted off the seat, catapulted by joy.  He opens the door and jumps out as if shot from a gun.  I grab Roger who is about to jump out also.

Cade shuts the door and flies around the front of the PTV.

At the same time the red car slows and whips into the parking lot.  Mom is driving and there’s no one in the passenger seat.  No sign of any siblings either; no movement in the back or faces pressed to the window.

All this happens in a second.

Mom brings the car to a quick halt facing in the opposite direction from the PTV.  I have to turn in my seat to see the tearful reunion.

In one swift movement the car door opens and Mom is out of the driver’s seat and drops to one knee, just as Cade shoots around the front of the PTV and into her arms.

Thank God, a happy ending!

Cade has his arms locked around her neck with his face pressed against hers.  Mom has him in a full hug.  Both are sobbing, stuck together in a crazy-glue embrace like they never will let go.

Mom peers over Cade’s shoulder and mouths “thank you.”  I smile and start up the PTV.

Before pulling away I hear Cade scolding through choked sobs.

“I TOLD you I was going to the BATHROOM!”

At the edge of the parking lot, I stop the PTV to allow a truck to pass by.  Then I drive out onto the road to return to camp.

The road takes us past the red car.

Mom and Cade are still glued together.

Well, that’s a relief.  It worked out fine.  I wonder where Dad and the other kids are. Maybe at a restaurant.  That whole part of this episode will have to remain a mystery. What’s not a mystery is the love that mother has for her boy.

 We motor back to our camp at Palisades Campground.

“There’s just enough time before dark for our end-of-the-day walk.”

Typically, the walk includes a play session.  Zooming and play fighting.

Good!  Tire yourselves out . . .

“Had enough, goofballs?”

“Let’s go home.  It’s kibble time and then into bed you go!”

Tuesday, September 5

Reggie, Roger and I walk up to the main campground.  Today is move-camp day and I always like to give them a little exercise before we hit the road.

(Camping limit at Palisades is 16 days.  However, a notice on the bulletin board says the campground closes today, September 5th, and the gate will be locked at 2:30 p.m.)

We approach the vault toilet house where Cade was left behind.

Gee, I can still hear those awful screams. Poor kid.

Roger lifts a leg on the side of the building.

“Roger, you’re the peeing-est dog I’ve ever known.  You and Reggie both.  We can’t go five feet without one of you –”

Oh, Cade. You’re probably in your first grade classroom right now.  What a great kid you are.  I hope you have a good day.  I hope you smile and giggle and laugh a lot today.

rvsue

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117 Responses to The conclusion of the story of the boy left behind

    • Joy says:

      This happened on a church youth beach outing awhile back…thank goodness we had only gone a few blocks when we realized it and turned back. Kid didn’t even know we left him, he was enjoying the beach.

  1. Rochelle in IN says:

    Finally!

  2. Crystal the T@B owner says:

    First?

  3. Cynthia from San Clemente says:

    Third?

  4. Vicki & Kitty campin' says:

    #3. Yeah.

  5. Cat Lady back home in Central City, La says:

    Great ending, Sue.

  6. Cynthia from San Clemente says:

    Wow Sue, you are amazing! I would have stood there through the mom/son reunion and tried to find out what the hell was going on. The only thing I can think of is that maybe the dad was angry at the mom for not watching the boy more closely? And honestly, the mom should have bought you a tank of gas, or a bag of groceries, or something!!!! The entire thing doesn’t “feel” right to me, but your instincts are always good so I’m deferring to you. Thank God you were there for Cade.

  7. Cat Lady back home in Central City, La says:

    Great ending, Sue. Now the kid’s got something to share at Show and Tell.

  8. Nice ending Sue, glad Cade got back to his loving Mother,, have a great week and stay safe and give them babies of yours a huge hug from us too, ,,, Rusty n Piper

  9. Don in Okla. says:

    What a GREAT ending!! Thank you for your concern and help. It ended so well. You are a blessing to many folks, in person and online.

  10. Cinandjules 🌵 says:

    Wonderful ending!
    No explanation given or needed. The hug and tears from both was enough.

    Did that incident remind you of your kids that attend your school?
    Had to laugh at Cade’s scolding..I TOLD you…..
    Back in the day that was considered talking back…and I would have been cracked across the mouth…no doubt about that!
    Great job!

  11. Kat and Cookie Dog in NYState says:

    All I care about is that little boy was safe with his mom who obviously loved him. Not all children are that lucky. Give the boys a pet for me.

  12. Mark Greene says:

    That father has me concerned too. I have a feeling there is more to the story. His response to the phone call is just not normal. Now the Mom’s greeting seems normal. I am sure if she had the chance she would have rewarded you in some way. She was to involved in getting Cade back.
    I had a car that caught fire. A stranger stopped and put it out with a fire extinguisher. He left and I never had a chance to thank him or offer to replace his extinguisher. I still think about that and it was nearly 40 years ago.

    Mark
    Salina, Ks

  13. Rover Ronda (WA) says:

    Whew🎉

  14. Karen LeMoine says:

    Glad Cade has his Mom! Dad not sure about. Sue and Crew continues on!

  15. Dawn in Mi says:

    I hope he never forgets the lady and the 2 dogs who helped him find his mom. I bet he won’t. Hugs Sue.

  16. weather says:

    Oh, how wonderful! Trying to put myself in the mother’s place after the phone call, knowing her little guy was nearby, and undoubtedly upset…I’d have come alone, too. I think of a six year old boy and imagine at a time like that he’d want his mom, her shoulder to cry on and arms to hold him. The dad and siblings presence would have interfered with the tender reunion you described.

    You must have felt tremendously relieved, Sue. And perhaps a bit “wrung out”, as well. Thank God, for several things that made a happy ending to that story. That boy will one day be a man fondly remembering the nice lady that came to his rescue…maybe each year on his mother’s birthday.

  17. Joe Bruner says:

    Whew! I was afraid you might have to take on another crew member. You did a great job. Still somewhat a mystery as to the Dad’s reaction.

    • Annette says:

      I thought the same, although human adoptions are more complicated… Seems like some people just shouldn’t have kids. I’ll bet Sue has seen a lot of “family dynamics” in her school teaching days. Great job… you go, Sue!

  18. LeeJ in Northern california says:

    What a tale. Just wow….
    I always wonder when someone is ‘flat’ in their response to something so ..hmm…frightening, if they have ptsd or something…..I was in contact with,so many people that were ravaged spiritually when I was working ambulance…not everyone is capable of expressing emotion in a way that is considered normal….perhaps dad simply had to take it at his own pace……
    But…it was a wonderful ending to a wonderful story, thank you for sharing.

    • Lisa, Tommie and Buddy in NJ says:

      That’s just what I was thinking Lee. Maybe the Dad had a health problem like depression, a brain injury or a stroke. All of those and more can cause a person to be “flat” regarding the expressions of their emotions. Maybe it wasn’t so much that the Dad didn’t care as it was he couldn’t express it. Dad’s poor health could be another reason Mom showed up alone.

  19. Elizabeth in WA says:

    Well, having some asperger’s folks in our kin I can say that sometimes they do not have as much emotion in their voices for some reason…though that does not mean they do not care…I hope that was the case with the dad. Glad at least the mom seemed to love her boy!! I hope you can find a restful place next, Sue…sounds like some rest might be good!

    • Cinandjules 🌵 says:

      I was thinking the same with Asperger’s syndrome.

      Their “normal” response and mannerisms are often misunderstood.

      • Barb from Hoquiam says:

        Elizabeth, you took the words out of my mouth.
        My Jim has Asperger’s and this is exactly what he would do. It can be very frustrating…

        • Elizabeth in WA says:

          Yes, even mild cases are not easy…there are so many ways this manifests too…in recent reading I have learned…but communicating can take years to reach a good place I think…for some…

  20. Geri in the FL panhandle! says:

    Good to know Cade has loving mother! I agree that he,will never forget the lady and her dogs who saved him!

  21. Shelley in California says:

    My husband always stays calm in situations that upset me, although I hope he would have thanked you profusely he does stay pretty calm. I have nearly caught the kitchen on fire and he calmly comes in and puts it out. I could go on and on but he keeps a cool head when I am usually panicked. Glad it all turned out okay.

  22. Barbara (Nashville) says:

    Thank goodness for Cade’s mom. I didn’t want to comment yesterday for fear the outcome wouldn’t be good. I thought about that little boy all day.
    Thank you Sue for being the good soul you always are.

  23. SecondLife says:

    I like happy ending. Thank you, sue.

  24. Jan Johnson says:

    I think men just don’t worry like mamas do, and he was probably perturbed at the situation while the mama was frantic. I’m glad Cade found his family again without involving the police. That was quite an adventure for everyone!

  25. Linda Sand (Minnesota) says:

    We were playing group games in a campground one time when my daughter apparently yelled that she was going to change her shirt and we should wait for her. That’s when I had to teach her that a message sent into the air may not have been received. Both ends have to happen for communication to take place. My guess is no one received Cade’s message about using the bathroom just like I didn’t receive my daughter’s message about changing her shirt.

  26. Denise - Richmond VA says:

    Hi, Sue,

    So glad that story had a happy ending. 🙂

    Extra love and hugs to you and the boys from me and Gracie pup! 🙂

  27. Cynthia in San Clemente says:

    I’ve given this situation a lot of thought, and although the dad’s response seems awfully weird, it reminded me of a situation about 40 years ago …. our son, who was about 10, rode off on his bike at about 10 in the morning. He was with his best friend, who lived on our street. At the time we lived in a suburban area that was interspersed with agricultural areas and a lot of orange groves. The boys were gone until past dinner time. We were beginning to get very worried, and my husband, who was a police officer, notified the local department and the police helicopter was out circling the neighborhood looking for the boys. When they finally came riding up in their bikes after a wonderful day climbing trees and just being boys, I was crying hysterically, but my husband literally pulled our son off his bike and drop-kicked him through our front screen door. As a police officer who had seen and investigated child homicides, he had suspected the worst and his worry and anger got the best of him. I had to pull him off our son. My husband is a loving, wonderful father, but his fear got the best of him that day. I try to remember that and think that maybe Cade’s father was equally worried, and angry, and afraid for his son. It’s so hard to see the world through someone else’s lens.

  28. Linda Rose, Muffin, Molly & Midgy Carmichael, Ca says:

    Thank goodness! Still weird though. I had a day care when I was younger. Never got in or out without a head count. Had a van load too.

  29. Nancy says:

    How good to hear from you and know that all this turned out well! God put you in the right place at the right time for His will to be done for Cade. God bless you, Sue!

  30. Ki says:

    Happy endings are always so sweet. Thank you from the universe!

  31. ApplegirlNY says:

    Great ending to the story. Sue, you are a blessing, and I can’t help but think that the crew helped the boy get through the ordeal. Nothing like puppy love for a distraction.

  32. Pauline in Mississippi says:

    Thank you Lord!!!! Like others, I am so happy to hear that Cade has a loving mother. This story was heart wrenching…I wanted to hug that little boy! You handled the situation wonderfully!! and again, as always I am so proud of you.
    The final remnants of Irma went through here yesterday with a day of steady, pleasant but cold rain. Today is cloudy but starting tomorrow the heat returns!! I wish we would get an early fall!!! Oh well.
    Many hugs and much love to you and the crew!!!

  33. Mary Batt says:

    I worked in and with the general (children, adults and families) public for about 35 years and come from a family with 5 kids and personally “briefly couldn’t find our son in a campground”. IMO Your FIRST reaction was probably correct. The flat reaction from the father and the non-show of the “concerned family” (So..where were they resting in comfort?) other than the tearful mom makes me wish the sheriff of the town had made an assessment and record of the ‘lost and found’ event. Sometimes the perspective of the principals (mom) are advanced when an objective 3rd party with a duty to a child is involved. Sure, I hope all is well within the family, but something does not smell right with this family. None of this chatter matters now, just letting off a little steam. The sun still shines! Kids are resilient and move on!

    • Monica says:

      I agree with you that this should have been reported to have a record of the parents neglect. How can two parents forget to check a car to make sure they have all children before leaving the campground.

    • Tesaje says:

      What is very weird is that upon realizing the child was not in the car that they didn’t immediately go back to the campground to find him. This smells of the father refusing to do so until Sue shamed him with the call and then mom insisting on getting him. Mistakes can be made but this family’s reaction is strange and neglectful if not mean.

  34. Terri in "getting a bit cooler" Texas says:

    A wonderful ending. Love hearing others stories too. I think the Dad was just annoyed-probably with the mom cause after all, being the mom, it was HER fault! Ha! I love the last photo of the pups-wonderful smiles!
    Can’t wait to read where you go next.
    Happy Motoring!

  35. Jolene/Iowa says:

    So glad for the happy ending.

  36. Karen in Pacific NW says:

    While you can try to read things into people’s voices on the phone that does not always mean they are emotionless. It might just mean they have a profession where it is required that when talking on the phone they need to present themselves as being very calm. A lot of managers are required to have that particular phone skill for dealing with their employees and also with the customers a lot of receptionist are required and trained to do the same thing. Perhaps he heard stress in Sue’s voice and was reacting to that by putting on a calm and quiet mode.

    So here are questions for the rest of you. Wouldn’t you have let the child talk to the father during the call after you identified that you had reached the right person? I know I would have done that. It would reassure and calm the child as well as the parents. It would also verify that you had indeed reached the parents.

    Would you have sat in the car and then just left without a word when the mother arrived or would you have gotten out with the child and walked over to the mother’s car? I would have gotten out, not to scold her but to reassure the mother.

    If you want to talk about the father in this tale not seeming to have normal responses you are correct. But remember, this is a retold tale that was written after the fact in a style specifically meant to enhance drama and then it was broken into two parts to deliberately create even more suspense. As far as writing styles go….it feels overly contrived and does not flow well.

    • Seriously? I don’t remember Sue asking for a creative writing critique of this or any other post.

      She clearly left the door open for the father’s reaction to be perfectly normal – confirming that the story includes her own personal opinion rather than judgement.

      Since I wasn’t there I don’t know if I would have handled the phone call or reunion any differently, but as a mother I am grateful that Sue did all she did for this little boy. Jumping out of the van to meet the mother sounds more like grabbing an opportunity to accept accolades and to play the hero, rather than letting the moment be about the little boy and his mother.

      Not sure where you’re coming from in your comment, but it would have been better left in your head.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Karen,

      Your suggestion to take Cade inside the store to speak to his father isn’t a good one. There was a possibility that Cade did not remember the number correctly and therefore I wouldn’t make contact with the dad. In the meantime, if Cade were in the store, the family might have driven by the gas station on their way to Palisades Campground and I wouldn’t know it.

      I don’t see the point in getting out of the PTV to inject myself into the mother-son reunion. Cade ran to her in a flash. You suggested I reassure the mother. The only reassurance she needed, she got — a hug from her son. If she needed details, she could ask her son. Also, I don’t doubt she felt terribly guilty and didn’t need to face me.

      As for your criticism of my writing style as being “overly contrived and does not flow well.” Cut me some slack. These two posts were written in the PTV while parked alongside a road in the desert with no shade and with Reggie and Roger panting and whining. It took several hours over two days to accomplish these posts.

      The cliffhanger served two purposes, among others. As I wrote, it kept the posts from being too long. If I hadn’t broken the story into two parts, we would have missed the opportunity to think about the situation, discuss it, share our own experiences, and generally enjoy this blog.

      Remember this blog is a gift and good manners dictate that one not criticize a gift to the giver. You may want to find another blog with better writing.

      • Annette says:

        Well dais!

      • John McDonald in Duluth MN says:

        Glad you responded!

      • Geri in the FL panhandle! says:

        I can’t believe anybody in their right mind would be critical of how you handled Cade and his delicate situation? You responded to his fearful screams ! You returned him safely to his mother! And you told us the story and we, well most of us, understood! Don’t waste time with the naysayers! They exist in the dark shadows and only come out to bray because they have no real life to share!

      • MelindaK (back in Central TX) says:

        Very well said Sue! By the way, I have been enjoying learning about the different areas of Montana. Montana is on my list to visit hopefully next year.

      • Lisa, Tommie and Buddy in NJ says:

        Good for you Sue. I know we all can express our thoughts here, but please let’s all remember our manners. Afterall, aren’t we like guests in Sue’s living room and life?

        • Cat Lady back home in Central City, La says:

          Lisa, Tommie and Buddy in NJ said,
          I know we all can express our thoughts here, but please let’s all remember our manners. Afterall, aren’t we like guests in Sue’s living room and life?

          Yes, we are. But in Louisiana we have a law that allows us to protect ourselves in our home. This person entered in sheeps’s clothing. Sue and her guests have a right to protect her…it’s open season.

          • rvsueandcrew says:

            I think Lisa was referring to the one inappropriate commenter. But it’s kind of you, Cat Lady, to come to the defense of fellow blogorinos. 🙂

      • Mary Batt says:

        A-men Sue! Bless you! Well! I guess “Karen” is the ‘go-to’ resource?? She makes me wish I had kept my words in MY head! So, this is my life lesson # 56,437. So lucky for the kid that RVSue is out there! He won’t forget you! Btw I did order some probiotics thru your site-hope you see the credit🙂 And, your blog is a delight. I have referred many people to it. mb

    • Cinandjules 🌵 says:

      Not your life, not your story and certainly not your blog!

      But I’ll answer your questions…and then bless your heart.

      No…Yes ….. Have a great day.

    • Joyce Sutton says:

      Criticism of a free blog written just because isn’t appropriate. This is sue’s blog, her paid for space. Not free. You can come along for the ride or not I’m grateful for the journey. Should I care about the subject, the grammar. I loved the story and splitting it gave a conversation. Life on the road can be solitary and this is sues outlet. Again her blog. Scroll on by

    • Cynthia from San Clemente says:

      Karen, I don’t know who you are or how often you have read Sue’s blog. If you have visited this blog more than a few times, you would know that she is a kind, compassionate saver of animals and human dignity. Your remarks were really quite rude and unnecessary. If you want to be an editor of creative writing pieces, perhaps you should go somewhere else and do it! I don’t think any of us can know for sure how well we would have handled this kind of a situation unless we faced it ourselves.

    • DesertGinger in chilly upstate NY says:

      Like others I am appalled by your comments. I am an editor for an online newspaper and I love Sue’s writing. Even if I didn’t I would never say that as it isn’t my place. You don’t have to read her blog. I’m sure everyone here would love to get to know you if you could be a little nicer.

      • ApplegirlNY says:

        Hey, DG. I thought you were heading back south, but maybe I read a post incorrectly. This sure is a beautiful time to be in Upstate NY. Are you still in the Adirondacks? We’ll be going to the Antiques Fest in Indian Lake this weekend. If you’re around, you should check it out. We rarely buy anything, but it’s a fun way to spend a day – walking around a small Adirondack village.

      • Geri in the FL panhandle! says:

        How are you DG ??? Will you be going back to Tucson for the winter?

        • Barbara (Nashville) says:

          DG, Glad things are getting better for you these days.

          I also agree with others, Karen. If you don’t like it on this blog, move on to somewhere else. The blogorinos enjoy Sue’s writing and appreciate her taking the time to share her RVing experiences, life on the road and the kindness she shows to others and the lovely photos for those of us who live vicariously thru her depending on our circumstances.

    • Cat Lady back home in Central City, La says:

      Here we go…another Monday morning quarterback. Lady, you wouldn’t have done crap…your kind never does…just sits around pissin’ and moanin’ about what others DO. Call the cops on them….your answer to everything then you want to get mad at them for what they did or didn’t do. Can’t win for losing with you. The kid knew/recognized his mother. They’re both happy to see each other. Sue did exactly right. Case closed. NEXT!!!

    • AZ Jim says:

      Since you are so chocked full of better ideas, I have a question. Why not start your own blog and do things your way?

    • JazzLover says:

      Then why don’t you just stop reading this blog?

  37. rvsueandcrew says:

    GOOD MORNING, BLOGORINOS!

    The crew and I are on the road today and it may be a very long drive. I don’t know if I will be able to go online at our next camp.

    I hope you will feel free to continue talking with each other on topics of your choosing. Thank you for the kind remarks.

    Have a great day,
    Sue

  38. Cynthia from San Clemente says:

    P.S. to Sue: Can you please incorporate some feature in your blog where we can just reach out and slap someone?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Ha! I think we’d all become slap-happy at some point….

      • JazzLover says:

        Sue, I had to go look up slap happy to be sure I knew what it meant, not a phrase used often any more, long story short there are some pretty interesting meanings for it. My favorite was happy go lucky. You keep on Being RVSue lady and we’ll keep on reading. Thanks for all the work you do to enable us to come along with you & see the beauty of our country. Your gift is precious to many.

    • shelleym in california says:

      Love it!

  39. Cynthia from San Clemente says:

    So angry I had to go shopping!!! Just ordered an extra large dog bed thru your link. Please let me know if you get credit.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thank you, Cynthia. You cannot know how encouraging it is to read that you placed an order. Sales have been in a slump lately. The day I wrote the first part of Cade’s story, I earned $1.31 commission! Depressing!

      But now I’m smiling. 🙂 We’re parked on the side of the road again, halfway to our destination. Orders don’t show up right away. I’ll look for the dog bed later. Remind me if I forget to let you know.

      Thanks again! Have a beautiful day.

  40. sherry Waldrop says:

    Thankful The Lord had you (and your boys) in the right spot at the right time. Be safe.
    Sherry

  41. suzago says:

    Hi Sue,
    I don’t comment often, but I always read you and read all the comments. Some time ago, I was thinking that I wanted to follow in your footsteps. After reading you for several years and considering how I’d do in your place, I have actually decided I’m probably better off not moving around so often. However– I still love to read about your life and adventures, and I still find wisdom and support in your daily examples of living simply and consciously. When I first started reading you I had a big house in a Boston suburb. I downsized and made two big moves (not into a trailer, but definitely into a much smaller space with a much smaller budget!). Lately, everything seems to be lining up well for me and I’m happy in my life. This is just to tell you that you have a bigger impact than you might know. I certainly look to you for a voice of sanity and clarity in a sometimes nutty world. Thanks for being brave enough to share your life with us.

    • SecondLife says:

      Suzago,

      Not all of us are geared toward a fulltime RV lifestyle like Sue, but once in a while, we can certainly “get out there more often…”. Like you, I have been a faithful reader of Sue’s blog from the beginning and her lifestyle has greatly influenced my life and work as well. I am grateful for her day to day activities journal that she’d shared with us and her lifestyle has greatly influenced my designs.

  42. Terri Livin it up in Tx. says:

    Hi Rv Sue
    Just want you to know we buy everything we get from Amazon thru your blog although we dont purchase tons of stuff. I recently had to return the RCA Tablet I bought but will order it again. A question-do you get commission when something is purchased from a vendor who lists on Amazon? If so I ordered a snorkel mask yesterday. (Going to the Cayman islands in October for our 24th anniversary) 🙂 I, too, love your blog and think your writing style is fantastic! I wish I could write half as well! Take care!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thank you, Terri. I’ll look for the snorkel mask. Also thank you for the compliment.

      To answer your question re: items purchased from a vendor: Yes! 🙂

  43. chas anderson says:

    Give the Dad a break everyone.Vacations with kids can fry your brain.Watch Chevy Chase in those Vacation movies.Anyone with kids has had some crazy incidents that you can laugh about now.

  44. rvsueandcrew says:

    HI, EVERYBODY!

    Today is another day on the road, although not as long as yesterday’s journey. I thought I’d put up another post before leaving this morning. It didn’t work out that way!

    Since the crew and I will be traveling, I won’t be able to monitor comments. I fear continuing the thread above might draw in those who like to make trouble.

    I appreciate your reactions on my behalf, but let’s start fresh, okay?

    Thank you for the compliments on my writing and on my blog in general. I’m especially pleased to read about my blog being a positive influence. God bless you.

    Cold snap coming to Wyoming! Yikes!

    Bye for now,
    Love y’all!
    Sue

  45. Elizabeth in WA says:

    Safe travels, Sue…pray you will be ok…traveling is not easy, esp. if many miles involved!!

  46. Stan Watkins says:

    Thank God you were there . This man ( I intentionally am not using father ) is a whack job . No possible way they missed that kid not being in the car . Maybe he was teaching the kids some kind of lesson or punishing him but in the wilderness ? PTSD or whatever . I hope that mother gets away from that monster . She probably cried the whole time , knowing that her child was left in a virtually empty campground with wild animals around . Happy Birthday mommy ? Sorry if these comments are strong but when children are concerned I don’t give a spit about the man’s emotional state other than having him professionally evaluated . As a father of three children who are not coddled but very loved I can’t concieve of doing this and as I said before this was no mistake . Sue and crew did everything correctly and performed spectacularly . End of rant .

  47. I am really shocked at the judgement without knowing but one view here. You know NOTHING really about the boys father and some want him to have a psych eval??? How about the old saying about walking a mile in another mans shoes? I think Sue did exactly the right thing. All is well. Get over it people, you don’t have a clue about the family and neither do I, but as Sue did I’m willing to give them the benefit of doubt in that the boy was obviously glad to get back to his family and did not hesitate to give his Daddy’s phone number. Sheesh.

  48. Renee still in Idaho says:

    We just returned from a trip to Wyoming, Montana, and eastern Idaho. Due to work, we usually travel mid through end of September and I see on the map that snow has hit parts of Montana, eastern Idaho, and Wyoming. Safe travels and stay warm to all of you out there in these regions. Hopefully this will pass in a day or two and things will warm up to a nice Indian Summer.

  49. Tamara says:

    I am glad it all worked out

  50. JazzLover says:

    Any RV’ers in Massachusetts for the first time, what we call The Big E, or Eastern States Exposition starts today, Sept 15 and runs thru Oct 1st. It is in W. Springfield in the western part of the state and is our state fair and a great one. All six6 new England states are represented, they each have their own building with food and crafts indigenous to that state, ie, Vermont, cheddar cheese & maple products, Maine lobsters & blueberries, and so on. 4-H exhibits, daily horse shows, rides, music and other entertainment. All kinds of food. It is a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes if you go. Google Eastern States Exposition for more information.

  51. Denise - Richmond VA says:

    Hi, Sue!

    I just placed an Amazon order….look for these items on your report, please. The dies will be used to accent homemade Christmas cards. I have been thinking about placing this order for the past couple weeks. Procrastinate no more! I finally got around to doing it! 🙂

    Sizzix 661597 Thinlits Die Set, Holiday Greens, Mini by Tim Holtz (11-Pack),,

    Spellbinders Shapeabilities Dies, Layered Poinsetta

    Anti [Edited], Rihanna CD

    Hope you and the boys are doing well and will have a nice, peaceful weekend. Gracie has a bit of a tummy bug. She has an appointment to be groomed tomorrow, but if she still is having issues, just to be on the safe side, I will reschedule. Nothing serious….I believe she enjoyed some doggy caviar…you know, rabbit pellets. I have two “bunnykins” that hang out in the yard…they have been leaving lots of fertilizer!

    Sending you, Reggie and Roger love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! Take good care! 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Denise,

      Oh, poor Gracie! I hope she gets over what ails her really quick. Thanks for the hugs for me and the crew because we really need the warmth — caught in rainy, foggy, cold weather. Hurrying southward again tomorrow. We’re in the PTV to soak up heat and then we’ll run to the bed and snuggle under the covers. I do not like damp cold!

      Thank you very much for the Amazon order! Interesting items. You’ll have fun with those dies. 🙂 I know I sound like a broken record, but I’m having connection problems at this site. Pages load very slowly. I’ll check those items tomorrow and let you know.

      Have a cozy evening. Sending get well wishes for Gracie pup and hugs for you both. 🙂

      • Cinandjules 🌵 says:

        Denise…I hope Gracie pup feels better!

        Sue..It’s ok to start back this way. Temps are cooling down. I’m starting to think 80 degrees is the new 50. Hmmm….think I’ve acclimated to this heat just fine. It’s 84 right now and it’s sweatshirt time. Jules is flying back on Monday..the summer weather in NY hasn’t been favorable for golf.

        Have a great weekend…stay warm and cozy!

      • Denise - Richmond VA says:

        Thank you, Sue. The local news mentioned that Montana had snow! Of course, I thought of you all! Rainy, foggy, cold weather – yuck! Chills one to the bone! Safe travels towards the dry, sunny southwest! 🙂

  52. weather says:

    Rainy, foggy, damp cold…oh, Sue, I hope you sleep(slept) well. Sending prayers for good driving conditions as you hurry southward.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thank you, weather! Your prayers were answered in a BIG way. We haven’t reached our destination yet — a destination unknown to me at this point! Right now we’re sitting along the road in Wyoming wind. The most difficult driving is behind us.

      Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

      • weather says:

        Thanks for the update, Sue, I’m relieved to know you’re okay. That makes my weekend more wonderful 🙂 Gee, I hope you find somewhere nice enough to stay in for more than just overnight. You’ve had to be on the move and driving a lot during the last few days.

  53. Debbie says:

    Hi Sue! I am new to reading your blog so I am still in 2011 with you. This is better than reading one of my novels and I enjoy it every morning with my coffee. I am excited to read all about your adventures. I have started planning for PVT and possibly a Casita. Still not sure if I want to tow or drive a class C or class B. I will probably start out towing as I can’t go full time until my son graduates HS and gets through college. Ok, back to my reading! 😀

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Welcome, Debbie! What a nice surprise to see you here. 🙂 I’m thrilled you are enjoying my old posts and appreciate that high compliment!

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