Despite physical and psychological limitations that might motivate some folks to park the RV permanently, Marshal Morgan and his wife, Shauna “Cat” Mulligan-Morgan, continue to enjoy the lifestyle they love. Motivated by theirs and other stories of disabled RVers, the couple created Today’s Nomad, a growing community of fellow RVers dedicated to the RV lifestyle despite the challenges created by advancing age or physical and psychological limitations. The Morgans’ profound hope that “all those who seek the solace of the wondrous outdoors may continue to experience the healing songs of nature that soothe the spirit and indelibly touch the soul.”
Following graduation, Marshal Morgan gravitated to hospitality management. After several successful years in the industry, health issues began to derail his promising career. Marshal was determined to take the cards he held … and deal them. Presiding over Vegas gaming tables, Marshal watched players hit and miss while the odds continued to stack against him. First PTSD. Then COPD, a degenerative lung condition that left him unable to work. Tired of simply playing the hand he was dealt, Marshal decided to push “all in” to a lifestyle he had learned to love as a tent-camping Cub Scout and continued to enjoy through adulthood. He hooked up his fifth wheel and headed off into “come what may.”
Meanwhile, another camping enthusiast was undergoing her own health-related rebirth. Injuries sustained in an automobile wreck ended Shauna Mulligan’s nursing career. Despite her extensive back injuries, Shauna was not one to take this lying down. During recovery, she worked to put her photography hobby on a paying basis. She developed a strong niche as a marketing consultant and photographer for golf courses across the nation. Over 10 years her pictures paid the bills as her RV took her to all the places her camera longed to capture.
Leisurely cruising the country from coast to coast, hauling his fifth wheel from place to place, Marshal decided to start looking for someone to share the wonder and beauty with. Meanwhile, Shauna, was also always on the go, if at a quicker pace, traveling from course to course, shooting pictures. She, too, was eager for companionship. The two met through an online dating service and started to chat. When they learned they would be in North Carolina at the same time, they decided to meet face-to-face. Marshal and Shauna met up in Surf City and quickly realized they were enjoying each other’s company in person at least as much as they had enjoyed chatting online. Though there were definitely sparks, Shauna still had a job to do, so she continued traveling for work; but, recognizing kindred spirits, they continued to keep in touch online. One year later, in 2008, they decided they were done with being apart, so they married and set off together full time.
Soon, they learned that, though they loved being together, with all Shauna’s computer and camera equipment, things were getting cramped in Marshal’s 26-foot fiver. Their search for a family RV brought them to Lazydays in Central Florida. Shauna loved her experience in the Sunshine State’s home of the RV lifestyle. “One of the things I noticed was how friendly and knowledgeable everyone at Lazydays was. From chauffeuring us around to answering questions about specific units.” The Morgans appreciated the family approach and were impressed by Lazydays’ huge service center. Eventually, they found their current rig, a 34-foot Terry fifth wheel that turned out to be perfect for this newlywed couple’s full-time lifestyle.
And what, exactly, does that lifestyle look like for the Morgans?
At first glance they are just another happy, adventurous full-time RV family — until you notice the tanks and tubes. Some folks attempt to look past them, others relate all too well. Marshal’s COPD is in stage 4, requiring continuous supplementary oxygen. His prognosis is simple: persistent deterioration. This knowledge encourages Marshal and Shauna to live each day to the fullest and to reach out to other disabled RVers as friends and advocates.
Their most enthusiastic icebreaker is Marshal’s psychiatric service dog, Diva. This furry bundle of love and energy has been
trained to assist her master when he becomes panicked or stressed.
Diva can sense an oncoming panic attack and knows what to do to help keep Marshal calm. Most of the time she does this by simply being Diva. “After all,” Marshal says, “how can anyone stay in a panic state with something so cute and loveable to hold?”
Diva allows Morgan and Shauna to live the RV lifestyle they love. But, they have also had to ask themselves the difficult questions faced by all RVers that are in declining health:
- What will happen as I get older and less mobile?
- Do I really have to give it all up or can I simply change my routine?
- Which RV parks are disabled friendly?
- Where can I go for information?
- Where can I go for support?
- How can I meet other RVers who are dealing with similar issues?
Those stories, combining love for the outdoors with the
difficulty and discouragement associated with a disability, motivated Shauna Morgan to launch an online community,
www.TodaysNomad.com, as well as a Facebook page of the same name dedicated to building a social network of disabled RVers. Other related projects are in the works.
The Morgans may not be able to scramble over rocks and leap streams without a thought as they once did. In fact, narrow doorways and uneven surfaces are all it takes to create barriers to the beauty of their beloved outdoors. “But,” says Shauna, “We have found pieces of paradise scattered all over this beautiful land of ours — watched sunrises and sunsets and made memories that nothing can ever tarnish.” She pauses as reminiscing turns to resolve. “And we will keep capturing that beauty on camera and living the lifestyle we love as long as we can.”
Goals of Today’s Nomad
- Our goal is to provide a fully interactive Web site and blog to allow others to share their knowledge and get answers to their questions
- We want to help seniors and disabled members of our society find accessible outdoor recreation.
- We hope to encourage sharing firsthand stories and pictures on an interactive Web site and blog.
- We want to provide accurate and up-to-date information on parks, forests and other outdoor locations.
- We try to encourage a sense of community among people through scheduled campfire conferences.
- We are building a network of people and locations to help others find the solace of nature.
To learn more about the Morgans and Today’s Nomad, send an e-mail to info@todaysnomad.com or visit www.TodaysNomad.com.