Last year, traveling came to a screeching halt for me. There was no visiting my family or friends, and we did the best that we could by using phone calls and ZOOM to stay in touch. But, this year, things are different. Traveling in back on the agenda, and Tennessee was my first stop.
I was so excited to finally see three of my grandchildren that I hadn’t got to see in person for over a year and a half. When I pulled up in the driveway, they were waiting for me to arrive.
I think they were as excited to see me as I was to see them. The littlest one, Jett, even handwrote me a “Welcome Home Nana Tania” sign. Matti found a chalkboard in her room for the project, and Huttson helped him with the spelling. I’m not sure which of them drew my picture, though. Lol!
It felt incredible to finally get some hugs and kisses from these three! ZOOM and phone calls were great, but there is nothing like a hug and a kiss from those you love.
I know they really missed me because getting all three of them to agree to a family photo is a huge feat. This is one that I am going to put in a frame on my desk!!!
But, traveling can be expensive, and leaving your home can be worrisome. As an AARP member, I always try to take advantage of the benefits available to me, including discounts on restaurants, flights, and hotels like Motel 6.
AARP members save 10% off room rates, plus the ability to request a late checkout until 2 p.m. at no additional cost. With over 1,400 locations operating in 49 states, Motel 6 and Studio 6 hotels are a great affordable option for overnight or extended stays no matter where you are headed.
Joe didn’t come with me on this trip, so I didn’t have to worry about my home while I was gone. But, we have some upcoming travel plans, and that will be an issue. II was relieved when I found another AARP member discount from Simplisafe® home security systems, giving me the peace of mind that I need.
AARP Members can save 15% on new SimpliSafe® home security systems with fast 24/7 police dispatch with no contract. SimpliSafe® provides an affordable, easy and secure way to keep an eye at home while you’re on the road.
I am thankful that I could visit my grandchildren, and these memories will last us a lifetime. The benefits I get with my AARP membership allow me to create memories, have peace of mind and save money at the same time.
*You can easily sign up and become an AARP member and get access to these great deals and discounts too! Join AARP today and take advantage of their member benefits like Motel 6 and Studio 6 hotels and Simplisafe®.
I am participating in a promotional campaign for AARP Services. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am not an employee of AARP Services and do not earn a commission or percent of sales.
Hi Tania,
I haven’t been getting your daily e-mails.
Karen
The emails are probably going to your Spam folder. Go and check there or do a search for tania@50isnotold.com
Wow!! So many comments. First off I want to say that I’m glad you are able to visit your family now. It is so great to be able to do that again. Second, Motel 6 is a great option to stay in many places. Some smaller cities and towns don’t have expensive, “high end” places to stay at. For a clean bed, shower and a coffee and danish in the morning for breakfast places like Motel 6 can’t be beat. I also must reply to Andra Iafrate to say that she is totally wrong about Planned Parenthood. They are NOT pro-abortion, they ARE pro-CHOICE. That is a big difference. They offer many services for woman. They are a great place for any woman who need them for any reproductive health care and at an affordable price. AARP is also a great ally for us senior folks. They fight for many rights for us for many things including our Social Security Benefits.
Well how sweet are those children!
Sometimes people can be so unforgiving and snobbish. Good grief, it’s a motel not a life sentence. Even if it was, more than half the world would give anything to live in an air conditioned/heated room with running water and electricity. I do not agree with AARP liberal points of view, but I have their supplement insurance and can’t afford to give it up.
I too saw my grandson after almost 2 years this past week. So thrilling and such a blessing to reconnect. They do forget their Grammies when they are young. Good job, Tania.
Penny Jo, you are a breath of fresh air. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Tania, do you realize tha AARP is one of Planned Parenthood’s biggest contributors? These people are pro-abortion! I know as a Christian woman you can not possibly want to be part of that!
Andra, thank you for your comment.
I would definitely frame the group picture. My grandkids live out of state and seeing their pictures is important to me. This March my daughter-in-law arranged family pictures when we visited. They’re all precious and I’m thankful to her.
Thanks, Shelia! It is one that I will always cherish.
Love,love that you finally got to visit your grandchildren in person.
It was a wonderful trip, Lisa! ZOOM is wonderful, but nothing like being in person.
So happy for you! We are having a birthday celebration for our youngest son tonight. He has two sweet girls, ages 7 and 11 (and a sweet wife😊) and they haven’t been to our house since last November! So glad things are finally getting back to normal along with still being safe as possible.
I’m so happy for you. My only granddaughter is grown and getting married in Oct. I sure miss those exuberant greetings!
Every time a hurricane threatens us, we head for motel 6. They are wonderful. They let us keep our pets in the room. Thousands of disaster victims can attest to how great they are.
So happy to see actual hugs again. I so missed hugging my family so much. Beautiful grandkids and a beautiful grandmother. 🌺
I’m soooo glad you finally got to see your grandkids! The best! I missed your Bible verse today.
I’m soooooo happy that you got to see your babies! I have not seen my son’s family for over a year and a half so I know how you feel. You look fabulous. I know you had a lot of fun.
Do you really stay at a Motel 6???? I would not! I use AAA. I know you got paid for the AARP post, but I thought it was low class to do so.
I wondered the same thing…Motel 6???? but then i read she says…Motels “Like” Motel 6. Wondering if that is the sneaky way around it. I understand that sponsored posts are how bloggers make their living but some are just so obvious and I really question.
There are a lot of people who want to travel but can’t afford pricey hotels. I’ve stayed at Motel 6 and while I can now afford a place with more amenities, I don’t presume that everyone can. I’m glad that there are places like Motel 6 that are affordable, and the fact that AARP makes this even more affordable for its members who are “seniors” is a bonus. Motel 6 may not be considered high class, but I don’t think it’s low class for Tania to give people on a limited budget options. There’s something for everybody!
I stayed at a Motel 6 a few years ago when visiting back home in New Jersey, and what a surprise! The carpeting had been removed and replaced by hardwood flooring, and the room was sleek and clean, including the bathroom.
Thanks, Angie. I appreciate you sharing your wonderful experience.
Sharon, it is not a sneaky anything. The reason that I said “like” is because there are a lot of motel and hotel partners that you can choose from at AARP.
Motel 6 is a great place to stay everyone can not afford the Hilton. It is clean and let you bring your pets. Any discount helps when you are on a fixed income.
I agree with you. When you are on a fixed income, it is wonderful to have a clean place to stay and get a discount at the same time.
Dj, thank you for your comment. While you might not want to stay at a Motel 6, I would never judge anyone who chooses to stay there. And, I am sorry that you find me, low class, for doing my job.
Cute kids! Glad you got to spend some time together.
Love your traveling dress! Like Lynn we dropped our AARP for political reasons and I find AAA benefits to fit my needs. It earned its keep last week when I needed to be towed twice in one week!
What a long year! So happy for you! You are all adorable!
I had been a member of AARP but dropped my membership because of some of the political views they were taking, things I strongly disagreed with. I travel with AAA benefits. Thank you for continuing to blog.
We just heard about a new alternative to AARP called of all things ARP. Confusing. Go search for Alliance for Retirement Prosperity. I’m not bashing AARP but lately I feel the liberal agenda is in conflict with my core values. It’s too bad because my parents used their Medicare supplement and it was good insurance. It’s so hard to know where to draw a line. Stand on principle or give in to this scary trend.
Lynn, thank you for taking the time to comment.
What a great picture of you with the grands you could tell how much they missed you.
I am sure it felt amazing to get to hug them.
It felt amazing to finally see them in person again. They had a blast helping me with my post and I am framing some of these photos.