This inspirational story came from geocacher Mmswift. (Enjoy the beautiful quilt images and learn about the connection at the end of the story)
Geocaching Memories
I wanted to drop a note about why I started geocaching and the memories that were shared.
I had heard about geocaching about 4 years before I actually started caching in 2010. It sounded really interesting but other obligations in life did not allow for "playing with satellites". My husband and I worked full time, the kids were finishing high school and getting off to college, and we had moved my Mom from California to Wisconsin. In 1999 she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and when the time was right she came to be closer to us.
My Mom Loved the Outdoors
My Mom was amazing, she handled her disease with grace and courage, she never complained and did the very best she could. When it was decided that hospice should become involved, I decided to look into geocaching a little bit more. My Mom loved the outdoors and was no longer able to get out and about so I wanted a way to bring the adventure to her so ....... geocaching. As she was resting I would go geocaching. I would come back and have some pretty cool stories to tell her. If I was real lucky I would have a geocoin or Travel Bug to share with her.
I would come in her room give her a hug, see her smile and start with my stories. It was a special time; she would ooh and aah, laugh and shake her head at the adventures that I got into. She would turn the coins and TB's over in her hands. It was nice to see her inspecting them and smiling at the hitchhikers.
Enjoying the Adventures
Til the very end she was able to enjoy all of the adventures and her responses were always appropriate to the story. As I was caching I always felt that I was bringing her along with me and I still do. My Mom and Dad will ALWAYS be in my heart and I can't express how important it was to have stories to share with my Mom until she did pass away peacefully in August of 2010. I now have very special memories of the time with my Mom and hearing her laugh and seeing her smile, nothing is better then that.
I even got my sisters involved in caching as well and this September my twin and I tackled the E.T. Highway together. Now that's another amazing story and adventure that we will never forget!!!
Special Memories
I love that geocaching is now a part of our families memories. I love being part of the geocaching community and look forward to many more adventures.
Handmade Quilts
P.S. Because she enjoyed the Travel Bugs and coins so much, I did send a coin out in her honor on May 2, 2010. It was a wonderful chance to share the travels with her. On the description of the coin I have added a link to a book we put together of the quilts she made. She was a wonderful quilter and was awarded many ribbons for her quilts. You are able to preview the book at no charge and we are not looking to sell the book, just have people enjoy the quilts she made. (The quilts start on page 14)
Don't Go Yet! Do YOU have an inspirational geocaching story? What special memories has geocaching brought into your family? We'd love to hear about it!
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