Steve's Final Wish

My name is Susan. Following my husband Steve's recent hospitalization, including 3 days in ICU, he is home and glad to be here. His ten-year struggle with COPD is winding down, and he has entered hospice. We're so grateful for the knowledge and support of the hospice team that will allow us to keep Steve out of the hospital, as comfortable as possible, and in control of his own ending.

When we talked about entering hospice, Steve told me he's ready, but said that he has ONE FINAL WISH ...

... Steve wants to return to the mountains and high desert of Colorado and New Mexico, where we spent our happiest times together as a family; with old and new friends; or, sometimes, just him and me.

He wants to see the aspens and the mule deer and the late afternoon rains, and encounter the spirits of those who came before one more time.

We don't have much time left, and I'm scrambling to find a portable oxygen concentrator we can rent affordably. So far, I've been quoted $450/week to rent, but I believe I can find something less expensive locally. We put $800 into our 97 LeSabre to get it ready for the road. The air conditioner has been fixed because he can't breathe and cope with the heat at the same time.

Now, a huge crack has appeared in the windshield that must be repaired before we set out across the plains.

We can't save money camping this time. Steve has to be able to plug in his oxygen concentrator at night. Cooking over a campfire is right out; he can't tolerate the smoke.

So I'm hoping to raise $2,000 to help us pay for lodging, food, gas, and that darn crack in the windshield. Please help me fulfill this one last wish for Steve, who never met a stray cat he didn't feel compelled to care for; would joyfully share the shirt off his back, if it could help someone; loved my son as his own; and worked day and night as an over-the-road trucker until COPD forced him to retire 10 years ago.

Anything you can share will be accepted with our deep and heartfelt gratitude, and go to make Steve's final wish happen. Thank you so much!

Steve's adventure in photos -

September 2:

The crack in the windshield ...

Installing new windshield ...

All done!!! The cleanest windshield we've ever had! I was clearly informed that if I mentioned the name of this auto glass installation company, corporate would have the photos down within 15 minutes. Still, they gave us such good service ... Let's just say it rhymes with "schmafe lite" in Manhattan, and they even cut us a significant discount. We're ready for the road ... :) ST

September 8:

And we're off (finally) ... Beautiful hazy sunset between Abilene and Salina ...

Hazy windmills at sunset ... There are acres and acres of wind farms along I-70 on the high plains of western Kansas ... ST

September 9:

A few sprinkles as we cross the border from Kansas into Colorado ...

High Plains pines hint at mountains just over the horizon ...

The TA truckstop in Limon ... time for a cup of coffee and some thought about how high we really want to go tonight ... Steve's enjoying the portable O2 concentrator we rented for the trip! ST

September 11:

The Collegiate Peaks ... We're in the mountains now!

September 12:

Steve and a life-size brontothere pose for a pic at the Florissant Fossil Beds visitor center.

Tiny, delicate wildflowers at Florissant.

September 13:

Nearly full moon, as seen from the flagstone patio of the lovely little Airbnb cottage we rented in Colorado Springs ...

The cottage was right across the street from our friends Lee and Mike's house. Lee and Steve take a break on the patio.

September 14:

Steve borrows Lee's mobility scooter to explore the Pioneer Museum in Colorado Springs. Lee holds the door to a turn-of-century cage elevator, located in the old El Paso County Courthouse. Quite a beautiful building. We went to the Farmer's market on the grounds of the museum, and Steve found authentic tamales ... and ate two!!!

September 15:

Passing by Dillon, Colorado, where all mini-mart beverages are either "healthy" enhanced water, energy drinks, or soda pop ... Where's the plain water? They did have a Mounds candy bar, which Steve had requested. Steve LOVES chocolate ... :)

September 16:

Steve at Monarch Pass, on the Continental Divide. Even though it is kind of magically beautiful rising to these heights--11,312 ft! I suggested a route at lower elevation, but it was important to Steve to get back up to Monarch Pass.

September 17:

A day full of adventure --

Steve and Sue, outside the Mesa Verde visitor center ...

The flowers blooming at Mesa Verde were shockingly lush for this time of year in the high desert.

Greetings from New Mexico ...

Note the breathtaking New Mexico sunset. ST

September 19:

Back to Colorado Springs for a few days of rest and recuperation. Steve and Sue on the front porch of our lovely little Airbnb on High Street ... ST

September 22:

Back home in our cozy little trailer ... home sweet home ... and a lavender and redbud colored Kansas sunset ... Thank you, with love and gratitude in our hearts, to everyone who helped to make this last great adventure possible! ST