Our Story
Russ & Michael
Travel helped us create a personal commitment to each other; which was….”to not have any should’ve, could’ve, and would’ves.”
We were excited to be married in 2017. And Russ was able to take an early retirement in 2019, after teaching Choral and Theatre for nearly 30 years. His retirement opened up our ability to travel more than ever! Life continued to be fulfilling and we were living the dream. In October 2019, I got to fulfill my dream of owning a Home-Based Travel Business and WynnHaven Travel Agency was launched. We found the right fit with a host travel agency in NEXION, and we set off attending training sessions both in person and online.
2020 quickly approached and brought a few unexpected events, some that were not positive in our world, yet it was a great opportunity to continue to immerse ourselves and learn through online training and seminars, which were being rapidly developed. This was perfect timing for us!
In 2021 as we were traveling up the famous California Pacific Coastal Highway, Russ began experiencing a nagging back pain that was more intense than usual. Upon returning home, he wasted no time in being examined. A short time later, Russ was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Taking the time to process our new reality and focus on his immediate health needs, we were keen to keep in mind our “should’ve, could’ve would’ve” commitment.
After extreme surgery and months of intense chemo (including multiple hospitalizations), we knew that even though our routine of life had drastically changed, our desire to travel and immerse ourselves in the outer world was as strong as ever. With the support of Russ’s oncology team, we set out on a travel journey that was doable based on his physical condition. We made a new commitment to each other, ”have wheelchair, will travel!”
And travel we did!
We spent one week at a beach house on Anna Maria Island, Florida, then a few days at an All-Inclusive in Riviera Maya, Mexico, and soon after multiple cruises. We experienced everything we loved through the lens of our new reality. With trips around abounding, from the Caribbean, New England, Nova Scotia, and Canada, and last but not least…a European River Cruise on the Danube. This river cruise was Russ’s dream trip of a lifetime. As a professional Choral Musician, he longed to experience the place where Mozart lived his life and created the music that Russ was so passionate about. We had the opportunity to experience a concert of Mozart’s pieces in the venue in Vienna where Mozart had performed regularly. THIS WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR TRAVEL JOURNEY TOGETHER!
Ultimately this was our last travel journey together. Living out Russ’s life together and peacefully at home was now the right thing to do. We had our days filled with the best possible memories two people could ever hope for; memories that will last a lifetime. After some time to pause and live this new normal life taking care of Russ’s needs, it resonated within me of just how vital it was to provide quality of life for Russ in the months and weeks leading to his final moments.
Throughout this time, it resonated with me how amazing it would be to become an integral part of other people’s journeys who are facing life-threatening diseases or limiting physical conditions which ultimately change your life unexpectedly forever. A deep desire began to grow to do everything I can to share our experience with other people who may think it’s too late to fulfill their travel dreams. In reality, it may not be too late! With careful planning and selection of ideal types of travel, WynnHaven Travel can assist anyone who desires to travel and fulfill their dreams!
