About Us

When my mom, Julie, turned 82, she started having trouble getting around. I could see the sadness creeping in — a quiet frustration I couldn’t ignore. From continents away, I thought of ways to lift her spirits and because she had an iPad and didn't know how to fully use it, that’s when I introduced her to the exciting world of virtual travel that she could happily "soar" to wonderful places. The world became a click away.

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To keep her safe online, I made sure she only clicked on links I sent and reminded her to avoid anything suspicious.

Our "teaching" sessions became a little ritual. Not only did this give her something to look forward to, but I noticed her turn into a more positive person and happy to learn after each discovery. 

 

I truly believe it helped mom feel more connected and even extended her life. Every experience sparked joy. She sent me screenshots (I taught her over Facetime) , and I installed a GPS app on her phone so she could "see" where I was during times that she missed me. She got a kick out of being virtually"with me" through every trip I made.  She giddily followed my journeys across cities, states & continents because when I sent her pictures she would say "Stop, share your screen live sweetie so I can see!" and I did. Soon my brother David did the same when he traveled to the East Coast and she was with him too every place he visited. Mom was the original Armchair Adventurer.

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With her GPS tracker/App turned on me 24/7- she once caught me at the grocery store and messaged me to pick something up for her — which I did, and mailed it by air to her. Those moments I won't forget because she would contact me on her iPad "live" to say excitedly that she got her packages intact from here, the US.

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After she passed away in September 2022, I felt moved to share our story — not just in her memory, but for others like her that need this love. That’s how "The Armchair Adventures" began: a gentle way for those who feel stuck at home to explore, to learn, to smile again… and to bolster their spirits because after experiencing the beauty of our surroundings and the many cultures that we are all linked to....it would serve as a gentle reminder that no one is truly ever alone.