Adventures With Fin: A Journey of Loss, Hope, and Unwavering Adventure
Contributed by Debra McGhan
For Christmas this year, memories fill my mind and make this year extra special as I soak in new adventures and look ahead with excitement.
It wasn’t that long ago I remember standing on the shore of the lake near my home, the warm breeze of spring brushing my skin, pressing the weight of the past few years down on me. Life had been relentless, and I knew the challenges ahead would be even greater. My mother’s passing left my father in my care, and I had to devote my energy and time to supporting him. Financial strain added to my stress—my beloved motorhome, (I named Fin) had become an unbearable burden.
As much as I loved Fin, I couldn’t afford the loan payments, storage, or upkeep. Selling him seemed like the only logical solution, but every offer felt like a punch to the heart. For months, I kept hoping someone would come along and make me a fair offer. Instead, I only seemed to attract people who wanted to pay me practically nothing to take away something I cherished. It hurt to think of parting with what had once symbolized freedom and adventure.
Then the universe stepped in with an unexpected miracle. Standing on that lakeshore, lost in thought, my phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number, but something compelled me to answer anyway.
“Hello, my name is Thomas LaClair,” said the voice on the other end. “I saw your ad for the motorhome. Is it still for sale? “My spirts lifted. “Yes, it is,” I replied, cautious but hopeful. Thomas explained that he lived in Arizona and had been searching for this exact model. He promised to pay my full asking price if Fin was as well-kept as described. We arranged to meet in New Mexico a week later where Fin was stored.
When the day arrived, Thomas inspected the motorhome and swiftly declared, “This is perfect. I’ll take it. Here’s a cashier’s check for the full amount. “Relief washed over me. The debt was gone, and I walked away with some extra cash—a good ending to this chapter of my life, or so I thought.
For the next eight years, I cared for my father and rarely thought of Fin, though I missed the adventures I’d planned. After Dad passed, I found myself back at that same lakeshore reflecting on life when my phone rang. This time, I instantly recognized the number: Thomas LaClair. “Hi Debra, it’s Thomas,” he said warmly. “Remember me? I bought your little motorhome, Fin.” I did remember but worried about what he might want from me after all these years. Instead, I just assured him I did remember and asked how he was doing.
“Well, I renamed the motorhome Henri, after my adventurous mother. But I’m 90 now and can’t drive anymore. I want this little motorhome to go to someone who will love and care for it as much as you and I have. My daughter doesn’t want it, and my accountant says I’ve already maxed out my charitable contributions and any charity would just sell it anyway. So, well, I thought of you. “If you would like, and you think you can afford to take care of it now, I’d like to give it to you.” At first, I wasn’t sure I actually understood. “Give it to me?” “Yes,” he assured me. “As long as it won’t be a burden for you, and you still want it.” I was stunned. “Are you serious? You’re GIVING him to me?”
“Yes,” Thomas said. “A gift.” I was speechless. “This is a dream come true,” I told him. “Yes, I would absolutely love that!” True to his word, Thomas arranged everything. The moment I climbed back into Fin’s driver’s seat, I felt the magic return. Somehow, I had managed to manifest this amazing dream come true. Fin continues to carry me on countless adventures from incredible moonlit mountain nights to breathtaking canyon hikes, riverside mornings, and snowy escapades all across the country. He often challenges me with breakdowns and repairs but always rewards me with freedom and joy.
This Christmas Fin is approaching his 25th birthday. Now, with new floors, tires, refrigerator, batteries, and many more upgrades and repairs, he’s ready for the road again.
I lost my dear friend Susan to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) recently but before she passed, she told me to do more of the things I love. Now, while I still can.
Armed with renewed purpose to fulfill my promise to her to do more, I’m excited to discover new places, reconnect with old friends, and embrace every adventure that lies ahead. If I’m as lucky as Thomas, I could have another 20 years of exploring.
I invite you to join me on this journey at debramcghan.com, where we’ll be creating new memories, one mile at a time, at ‘Adventures with Fin.’