Miss Norma, who was 90 years old, faced a life-threatening diagnosis just a few days after losing her husband. Despite being confronted with such a serious and challenging situation, Miss Norma was determined not to let her diagnosis dictate her final chapter. With a great deal of enthusiasm for life, she chose to embark on an amazing journey with her son, daughter-in-law, and their poodle, Ringo, in their trusty motorhome. They documented their adventures and encounters along the way through a Facebook page called “Driving Miss Norma”. Miss Norma’s story is truly inspiring, and it demonstrates the power of living life to the fullest, regardless of the circumstances.
Miss Norma’s doctor was supportive of her decision to skip aggressive cancer treatment and instead go on a road trip. He acknowledged that cancer treatments can have severe side effects and do not guarantee survival. He praised their bold approach. Accompanied by Ringo, Miss Norma, her son Tim, and daughter-in-law Ramie embarked on a cross-country adventure. They traveled to various locations, including Savannah, Georgia, where they took a historic carriage tour and explored the International UFO Museum & Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico. Additionally, they had many fun moments in Estes Park, Colorado.
The story of their travels together showed how strong family ties can be and the excitement that comes with exploring life’s offerings as a unit. Their Facebook account was filled with images and tales that truly captured the essence of their incredible journey. Sadly, we must report that Miss Norma passed away on September 30th, 2016. Her passing was felt deeply by her loved ones, friends, and the almost half a million followers who were rooting for her on her unforgettable road trip. Miss Norma epitomized the idea of seizing every moment and valuing the time spent with those dear to us.
As Winnie the Pooh once said, having something that makes saying goodbye difficult is truly a blessing. Miss Norma’s story showcases the deep connection between humans and their beloved furry friends, as illustrated by Charlie Brown’s famous quote, “Life is better with a dog.”
We send our sincerest condolences and thoughts to Miss Norma’s family as they remember the incredible journey they shared together. She was an inspiration to us all, teaching us that life is about finding balance between holding onto what we cherish and letting go, as beautifully expressed by Rumi. May she rest in peace, knowing her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched.