It began as a whim … a passing thought that almost instantly materialized into a conversation. It was 2011, hubby was putting in a lot of hours helping a local farmer and the realization struck that I could go visit my mom, family and friends — reasoning that he was almost too busy to miss me.

He had gone on many hunting trips, but I had always kept the home fires burning. Within a few days, the arrangements were made, so I packed up and left on my own. With family in every state between here and Michigan, there were plenty of options.

The first night was spent with my aunt and uncle in Winchester, Ky. It was a great visit, and I became a courier to transport things from them to my mom.

Next stop was Erlanger, Ky., (right next to Cincinnati) for lunch with my two granddaughters.

From there, I made it to Dundee, Mich., and spent a few days with my mom. Her health had begun to decline. We had a really good visit and had dinner with three of my siblings and two of their spouses. It was good.

The downside was that my camera was safely housed in my purse most of the time.

The remainder of the time was divided mostly between my younger sister, Brenda, and mom. Brenda was in the process of moving into a senior apartment after living with one of her daughters for several years following a devastating stroke. It tickled me to be able to help her move in and unpack as she got situated.

She was ecstatic to be on her own once again even though her precious daughter basically lived just around the corner. One night she became deathly ill (we think food poisoning) and I was grateful to be there to nurse her through that nightmare.

Over the two weeks I fit in visits with 11 dear friends. Add to that, two couples we have been friends with forever, another friend who was widower of only a couple of years and many other old connections.

Memorial Day was as hot as blazes but it was a fun time to see more extended family. Oh, my! Those nieces and nephews grow up so fast.

During my stay, we enjoyed some really good sister time filled with belly laughs and silliness. There were so many dear friends to connect with without feeling rushed by dragging hubby along to do it. His feelings weren’t hurt a bit either.

Though I did miss him, our pets and home, it was therapeutic and invigorating, too. Cell phones made it easy to keep in contact.

It may or may not be true that I was just a wee bit homesick — my lips are sealed — but the freedom and independence of not having to consider another person’s desires and choices while traveling was liberating. If we chose, girlfriends and sisters could stay up half the night reminiscing and joking. The laughter was contagious and flowed freely.

When the car did point south and headed toward home, I stopped in Louisville and spent the night with another aunt and had the opportunity to visit with more cousins that hadn’t been in my memory banks since they were small children.

On my return 16 days later, the house was cleaned and in order, laundry was done up and put away and a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers from our garden greeted me on the kitchen table. Methinks he not only missed me, but appreciated all that I do for us as well.

There were buckets of peas and green beans he had harvested but didn’t have time to deal with, so it didn’t take me long to get busy. He had done all that while still working nearly every day for 12-14 hours for the local farmer.

He put in those long hours all while caring for the garden and four acres — it was quite impressive. As a matter of fact, he did such a good job, and I had enjoyed myself so much, that I was already planning my next solo trip.

We made many more couple trips, but the feeling of freedom on a solo agenda was revolutionary, exhilarating and enlightening. It helped me better understand the comradery of men and their hunting excursions.

If you’ve never made a solo trip, I highly recommend it. It is life changing.

It may be one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself, because as a widow, I still travel and explore without fear. Enjoying one’s own company is a grand thing to be sure.