It was while grabbing an evening McFlurry at McDonald's in Athens that we saw the email and our eyes widened. Does that email say, “from the Executive Office of the President The White House?” We immediately opened the email to see what it was all about.
Here's what it said:
“On December 9th, 2014, the White House will host the 100 most influential travel bloggers and digital media outlets to discuss the Administration’s focus on the benefits of cross-cultural educational and cultural exchange and boosting international student mobility. Consistently at the forefront of trends in the industry, travel bloggers and digital media outlets continue to develop innovative ways to communicate experiences with millennials and young leaders. By familiarizing a group of peer influencers with programs and initiatives designed to increase student mobility internationally, our goal is to increase awareness among young people and encourage their participation in educational, cultural and professional exchanges.”
Now that's very formal.
Not to be ones that easily fall prey to internet scams, we decided that this could possibly be a scam. After all, they asked us to fill out many forms that included us providing our . Lucky for us, we're Canadian so we don't have one. That made filling out the form much less stressful.
However, we did a name and email search of the person that sent us the invitation and she was indeed from the Executive Office of the President of the White House. Her email matched the person in question and we felt confident that we had just received an invitation from the United States White House!
Very Cool: We really did receive an invitation from the White House!
Many of our friends will be attending. We just happen to know most of the influential bloggers and digital media outlets and we're so excited for everyone.
While in Washington DC bloggers are going to be wined and dined with dinners catered by catering, a luncheon at the National Press Club, a briefing with senior administration officials and a visit to the National Press Club. We could have lived out our CNN hard hitting news reporting as we sat in the briefing room to hear officials talk about policies. I wanted so badly to stand up and ask a question.
We're Bowing Out Gracefully
As many of you may know. Dave and I have had a difficult couple of weeks. Dave broke two vertebrae in his back on Tuesday Dec 2 and we had to hitch a ride with an air ambulance back to Canada. He's now resting in the hospital in our home town, but it's going to be a long and painful road to recovery.
To read all about what happened check out Dave's Broken Back and a Little Healing Time
Yesterday, Dave had a really good day. He sat up for the first time and we both started feeling pangs of optimism about the future. We began to talk about all the contracts and campaigns that we had coming up and how I needed to send out some emails to let people know of our situation. When you are adventure travel bloggers, being stuck in a hospital and forced to stay at home for a few months can put a huge monkey wrench in your plans.
We felt ok about everything and the companies that we work with graciously lent us support and told us not to worry about a thing. The work would be there when we were ready. But one event left us a little stumped.
The White House
The White House is only a 1 day summit in Washtington DC next week. Dave didn't really need to come with me and I could go an cover it myself. My parents and friends said “You should go.” Lorri and Shawn said we can take care of Dave. I felt pressure that I should attend. I mean it's not every day that you get invited to the White House!
As the day went on, I made an announcement to a private group we have online where we can discuss the events of the White House that “I may attend” Some of my best friends are going. It would be so great to see them and have a little cry on their shoulder.
For about 4 hours I felt optimistic that I may attend and have the best of both worlds. I'd only be gone from Dave for 3 days and I'd be able to attend the blogger event of the year.
Who was I kidding?
I went back to the hospital after an afternoon at home catching up on laundry still left sitting on the floor from Peru, a quick bit of Kraft Dinner (combined with milk I took from Dave's lunch since there's nothing in the house) to eat and have a short rest on the couch to contemplate the previous events of the week.
The pressure mounted and I felt all the emotions of sitting in a hospital with Dave for 7 days in the remote town of Iquitos, the lack of sleep and fear of the unknown. I now know Dave is going to get better. Last week, we didn't really know or understand the extend of his injuries. Every time he moved or turned on the hospital bed in Peru I was terrified that we were doing more damage to his spinal chord. I think now that I know he is going to be better, I'm feeling all the emotions I buried.
Recovery
Now that we're back in Canada, they tell us that he has to get moving ASAP. The week of laying on his back has set his recovery back quite a bit and he's losing muscle mass and even certain functions like making a bowel movement have stopped working. It all won't start functioning again until he's moving around. The best way to recovery is to work through pain.

Dave starting physiotherapy
Dave's starting his physiotherapy and I don't want to leave him this early in the game. Sitting in a hospital bed all alone is the worst feeling. We've been lucky in our lives and have never had anything like this happen before. When friends and family have been in the hospital in the past, I always avoided going to see them because I thought they'd be too sick for visitors. Would they really want to have company when they feel so bad? We've learned that “Yes they would!”
Now, Dave hasn't been the best company this past week as he has been in excruciating pain and has been on so much medication that he can't keep his eyes open for more than a few minutes, but today as we saw him turn a corner and start to adapt to the drugs and be able to eat something, I see just how much having company beside him is needed.
Our Lives
Dave and I have spent the past 6 years together for 24 hours a day. We are rarely apart. Now that Dave has had his injury, coming home to sleep instead of being beside him is difficult. We know we spend too much time together and have to work on finding our individual selves again, but it's not the time to start finding our life balance while Dave is propped up in a hospital bed dealing with pain and discomfort.

Inseparable
We had a long chat last night about the future. This was an eye opener. I know the accident didn't happen because of anything but, it did come as a warning to slow down and think about what is important. We've neglected friends and family in pursuit of the travel blogging dream. We've accepted contracts when we knew we should have taken a break to catch our breath and we've spent the past year in a constant fog of travel and work. We've been with each other every day, but we've never felt so far apart. I don't think we have conversations outside work and travel. How did this happen?
Dave said he thinks this is an eye opener telling us to “do what we think is right. Not what we think we should do.” So he asked me, “Do you want to go to the White House?”
“No” I replied. “I want to be here to take care of you”
And it was settled. The White House can wait. My husband has a broken back to deal with, and I'm not leaving his side until it's fixed.
By Residence from the Hospital: The Street to Restoration Begins | Posts December 12, 2014 - 12:30 pm
[…] The White House Called, but we can’t come out to Play […]
By Cristina ? (@travelingjourno) December 11, 2014 - 5:41 pm
Deb this post has left me emotional for you both. Dave is in my thoughts and I know you both will bounce back from this stronger than ever.
By Katherine Belarmino | Travel the World December 10, 2014 - 1:04 pm
While our situation was nothing compared to what you guys are going through, I can still empathize. Romeo was in the hospital in September for an emergency appendectomy and had to stay in for a week. We learned that he couldn’t travel for two months afterwards because he was at risk for blood clots after having the surgery. Within that two months we were scheduled to go to Athens for TBEX. Rome wanted to still go and the doctor gave instructions for what he could do to try to prevent the blood clots, but was not happy. I made the decision to cancel the trip because nothing is worth that potential risk of losing my husband. We were lucky that I was able to spend every day with him in the hospital. I know he would have been miserable being alone in the hospital during the day, so I’m sure Dave is very grateful to not have to be without you for three days. I do hope he gets to go home soon so he can continue his recovery in the comfort of home.
By Vrasha Kerala December 10, 2014 - 3:59 am
Yes i know That , it is the true love Dave. Best of luck couple. 🙂
By Raymond @ Man On The Lam December 9, 2014 - 8:57 pm
Such a bummer that you kids couldn’t make it. Hope Dave heals fast!
By Miriam of Adventurous Miriam December 7, 2014 - 5:07 pm
That is true love, Deb. It warms my heart to hear that you’re staying home to take care of your beloved. I’m sending you and Dave all my best wishes for a speedy recovery. I’m sure with you by his side, he’ll be back in no time.
By Dave and Deb December 8, 2014 - 10:38 am
Thank you Miriam. There was just no way I would leave Dave to go to Washington. He’s going through so much right now. I’m here every day for hours on end helping out and to leave him suddenly at this early stage would be too much. If it were a week or two later, maybe I’d contemplate it, but right now, he needs me. And more importantly, I don’t want to leave him.
By Ken Kaminesky December 7, 2014 - 4:26 pm
You guys continue to be an inspiration to me. Even more so in difficult times like this.
Sending you both lots of love.
By Dave and Deb December 8, 2014 - 10:39 am
Thanks Ken, that means a lot. We’re doing ok. Dave’s the real inspiration. He’s remaining so calm and positive. I know it’s going to make for a speedy recovery.
By Lamia December 7, 2014 - 5:09 am
Deb and Dave, good luck to both of you. I have lived vicariously through your blog and enjoyed your posts from afar for a while. With all the best wishes in the world I hope this next big adventure is one you conquer and learn from like all the rest. Warm thoughts from abroad.
By Dave and Deb December 8, 2014 - 10:41 am
Thank you for the kind words Lamia. It’s amazing how small messages and notes really help with our frame of mind and keep us optimistic. We appreciate you leaving a comment.
By Paula McInerney December 7, 2014 - 5:02 am
Deb, you and Dave are a couple that work through things together as you will this. Our thoughts are with you both and for a speedy recovery for Dave. The move it or lose it sounds harsh but is a reality for Dave’s recovery. You take care of yourself too. The White House will come back for you for sure. You have both been generous to all of us as travel writers and me definitely, and we appreciate that so much.
By Dave and Deb December 8, 2014 - 10:43 am
You are so right Paula, it’s true. You have to move. Unfortunately we are a little behind the 8 ball because in Peru, they had him lay flat on his back. Not knowing a lot about back injuries or the extent of his injury, we stayed put. Now that we’re in Canada, they are working on getting him moving as much as possible. He was sitting in the chair and walking around a bit today already. Hopefully by next week, he’ll be able to walk on his own without too much support. And hopefully he’ll be able to go farther than the end of the bed. We’ll see.
By Michela of Rocky Travel Blog December 6, 2014 - 3:55 pm
So sorry to hear about Dave’s injury and the difficult moment Dave and you are going through. I am sending you my best wishes for a fast recovery and time to reconnect and restart, with more energy than ever! I am sure your decision to stay with him, is the best, Deb! A big hug.
By Dave and Deb December 8, 2014 - 10:46 am
Thank you Michela. Luckily, we have each other to rely on and to talk with and we decided early on to make this as positive of an experience as possible. No sense dwelling on what happened. It’s better to realize how lucky we are and how we can learn from this and take advantage of a bit of down time. Dave will be recovering for quite a while, but I will also have some freedom to reconnect with friends and family and get some things done that have been put on the backburner for years!
By Katie December 6, 2014 - 2:37 pm
This is such a touching post! I can’t even imagine the pain Dave must be in (like you I’ve been pretty lucky so far!) but it’s definitely true that attending the White House could just be continuing the travel blogging adventure bubble when what you really need is time to recover and reevaluate in real time. Best wishes to you both!
By Dave and Deb December 8, 2014 - 10:47 am
Thank you Katie. I think you are right. If we start back and start making excuses like “well it’s a good opportunity” We’ll just always keep saying yes. there is a time and a place to take advantage of opportunities and this is definitely not the right time.
By Jo December 6, 2014 - 12:24 pm
Great decision Deb and glad your using this as some reflection and rest time. Who knows the White House will probably extend you a ‘personal invitation’ in time!
By Dave and Deb December 8, 2014 - 10:52 am
Haha, I’m counting on it. I’m sure Mr Obama has noticed my post and is already planning on having us for dinner. Bwahahaha! 😉
By Renuka December 6, 2014 - 11:38 am
I’m touched… I really hope and pray that your husband recovers soon and the two of you are able to fulfill all your dreams in life. Yes, travel is a beautiful aspect of life, but there are other important things too that shouldn’t be ignored. You have taken the best decision ever, and you will definitely be rewarded for it. Take care guys!
By Dave and Deb December 8, 2014 - 10:53 am
Thank you Renuka. That’s my main concern right now, just getting Dave healthy. The most important thing is for him to stay positive and I think that if I left him for 3 days, it would take a toll on him mentally. We have friends and family around, but it’s not the same. I’m here with him throughout the day to help with the not so fun things like toilet stuff. He needs his wife. Sometimes it’s the little things that make it all feel better.
By Sherry Ott December 6, 2014 - 9:05 am
I think you made the right decision deb. I know it wasn’t easy at all but good in the bigger picture. Hang in there – you are both strong and will get thru this I know.
By Dave and Deb December 6, 2014 - 9:47 am
Thanks Sherry, your support always means so much to us!
By Caz Makepeace December 6, 2014 - 7:20 am
I’m so sorry this has happened and you won’t be able to make it to the White House. We will miss you both. Take care of each other and wishing Dave a speedy recovery. I like how you’ve taken time to think about what it could mean. A slowing down is absolutely what you both need. Take this time to rest, reconnect and reevaluate. The recovery will happen a lot faster when you do.
By Dave and Deb December 6, 2014 - 9:48 am
Thanks Caz. We’re bummed that we won’t be able to meet you and Craig in person. We were looking forward to that. But have a great time and I hear that you are spending some time in the States this year. Maybe we’ll cross paths somewhere in North America in 2015. Cheers
By We Travel Together December 6, 2014 - 6:42 am
So sorry about Dave’s injury, and hope he will get well soon. I love that you want to stick together even with an opportunity to visit the White House. That shows true love 🙂
Follow your dreams, do whatever you think is right, not what others expect you to do. Good luck to both of you 🙂
By Dave and Deb December 6, 2014 - 9:52 am
Thanks. Well, we were talking long and hard about it and we’re a team. I think if he were able to stand on his own and walk around I’d feel better about going, but he still needs a lot of support. I’ve been sleeping in the hospital with him and there is still a long road to recovery. Yesterday he passed out after physiotherapy because he sat up too long in the chair. His blood pressure dropped and it was terrifying. The nurses were right here giving him oxygen and making sure all was well, but I was so happy that I was here to give him support. I couldn’t bear anything happening while I was gone. However, I don’t like going anywhere without him in the first place, Even if he was completely healthy.
By Dave and Deb December 8, 2014 - 10:56 am
Thank you. I have to admit, I felt terrible the other night when I was on the phone with my parents and they seemed disheartened by my decision. But I know what is right and of course they would be excited that their daughter was supposed to go to the White House, but they dont’ see the pain Dave is in. We show the smiley photos on , but the other 23 hours of the day are tough on us both.
By Erin (Travel With Bender) December 6, 2014 - 4:52 am
What a bold and hard decision. Josh and I worked together at home before we started travelling together so I completely understand being people without each other. Sri Lanka was amazing for me and I was so unprepared on how to do certain things without Josh and my kids. But your old, independent self is still there underneath… It’s just dormant. And you are right you can discover that on separate adventure trips instead of while Dave is in hospital. I applaud your choice!!
By Dave and Deb December 6, 2014 - 9:55 am
Hi Erin, Thanks for the support. It’s true, I think you and Josh are as connected at the hip as Dave and myself. I remember in Sri Lanka you talking about getting money out of the ATM. Dave and I are like that as well, we have our tasks that each of us do. Suddenly when you are alone you’re like…(wait a minute! I haven’t had to do this in years, how does it go again?) I think being home for a bit will be really good for us. I’m already reconnecting with friends and chatting on the phone and Dave is getting lots of messages from his buddies. It will be good when he is feeling better to get out and visit some people.
By Cat of Sunshine and Siestas December 6, 2014 - 4:47 am
You’ve got your priorities straight, and Dave’s healing comes first. Here’s to a speedy recovery and continued adventuring!!
By Dave and Deb December 6, 2014 - 9:55 am
Thanks Cat, you are right. Dave comes first always in my books.
By Kim Cohen December 6, 2014 - 2:45 am
Hey you guys! Just wanted to let you know that I admire you two as a couple so much! From the moment I saw you two speak in Cancun, you stole my heart away, as I instantly fell in love with your personalities and the chemistry that you two share. Love is love and if you can stand being with each other for so many hours of the day than why not? It’s what makes you guys soulmates! While I do understand that having your own time to yourself is just as important, as I’m a solo travelers and crave that me time. But if you CAN live the way that you do, then I think it’s great and you shouldn’t stop. The greatest thing you can do, is be by your husbands side during this time Deb. You have gone through so much together and as disappointing as it is to give up on such an offer like the White House, it will also never be the same experience without the both of you being.
I am so sorry Dave is in so much pain and I’ve been keeping you guys in my prayers, since hearing about the terrible news. But everything does have it’s reason behind it and maybe you’re right, this is a time to take a breather, reflect and reprioritize your goals. Figure out what it is you should be more focused on. I wish you all the best of luck and hoping to hear some more good news on Dave’s recovery. 😉 stay positive!
By Paige Conner Totaro December 5, 2014 - 11:50 pm
I have been thinking of you guys a lot since hearing about Dave’s accident. You are absolutely doing the right thing. And when Dave is better, come down to DC and we’ll recreate the experience for you. Can’t promise the White House will let you in, but maybe we can sneak in the back door. NOT REALLY, SECRET SERVICE! Oh wait, they’re not paying much attention lately…. Sending healing thoughts to Dave and supportive ones to you. xo
By Dave and Deb December 6, 2014 - 9:56 am
Hi Paige, we’ll take you up on that offer. I’d love to sneak in the back door. Hey, it would be another adventure to add to the list! 😉 Maybe the White House will invite us both on a private tour because they feel so sorry for Dave. (Ha! Yeah right)
By Joanne Joseph December 5, 2014 - 7:39 pm
How frightening this all had to be for both of you. I am so relieved that Dave has turned a corner and you have been reassured of his recovery. As tempting as it must have been to go to the White House, I too would have declined to stay with my hubby.
By Dave and Deb December 6, 2014 - 10:00 am
Thanks Joanne. Yes, some things just aren’t worth leaving the one you love. Once the decision was made, I felt a huge relief. I was feeling stressed about the fact that I should go rather than going with what I wanted to do. I’m so happy with my decision and so is Dave.
By Dave and Deb December 8, 2014 - 11:00 am
Thanks Joanne. It’s true, Dave has turned a huge corner this week. When we first came into the hospital from Peru, he looked like death. I didn’t know how he was going to recover. Now we both fell really optimistic for the future. I’m glad to hear that you would have declined too. I cannot imagine going to Washington while Dave was sitting in a hospital bed. I need to be here for him after Physiotherapy every day because when they leave him, he always feels terrible. He passed out after the last one and it was terrifying. If I wasn’t there to call the nurses, I don’t know what would have happened. He pressed the button, but they were busy and nobody came. I had to run out to the hallway to get help.
By Steph December 5, 2014 - 7:31 pm
For what it’s worth, I think you made the right choice. Mike and I aren’t going to the White House either, mainly b/c i would cost too much to change our travel plans. I’m sad to miss out but I’m sure there will be other opportunities (and I don’t think the WH thing is going to be as exciting as people think it’s going to be).
It’s times like these that really bring out people’s true strength! You guys are lucky to have each other.
By Dave and Deb December 6, 2014 - 10:01 am
Thanks Stephanie, that means a lot. Sorry you and Mike can’t go either, but I know of a lot of people who were invited and had other plans and commitments and couldn’t make it. Maybe they’ll have another one in the future for all of us who couldn’t go? We should approach them about that 😉
By Rebecca December 5, 2014 - 7:15 pm
The last two paragraphs definitely made me well up! Stay strong and heal.
By Dave and Deb December 8, 2014 - 11:22 am
Aw, thanks Rebecca.
By budget jan December 5, 2014 - 6:31 pm
Just to show that people are thinking about you all over the world. I first read about the White House Travel Summit through YTravelBlog. Then I read about Dave breaking his vertebrae (my mother just did the same thing). Later on it came to me how his injury would impact on your chances of attending the summit. The universe has a way of directing our thoughts in the right direction doesn’t it. After Dave is healed you will probably be enjoying life more than ever 🙂 Let Dave know everyone is wishing him a speedy recovery.
By Dave and Deb December 8, 2014 - 10:03 pm
that’s quite the route to get here Jan. Very cool. Sorry to hear that your mother broke her vertebrae also, it’s a painful injury. I hope she is recovering quickly. Dave’s doing better each day. I think 2015 is going to be better than ever with our new outlook and his time to heal.
By Emily December 5, 2014 - 10:43 am
It always takes a bit of a life surprise to make you stop and smell the flowers! I am glad Dave is okay and that you have an idea of where to focus your attention – keep well!
By Dave and Deb December 8, 2014 - 9:59 pm
Thanks Emily. We’re lucky that our wake up call wasn’t as serious as it could be. This has really helped us put things into perspective. And Dave is healing quicker than expected which is really uplifting.
By Brad Imming December 5, 2014 - 9:55 am
Glad to see Dave is starting to move around and adjust a bit. Good luck with your therapy! I agree the White House can wait, take this time to relax, reconnect with loved ones and get Dave healthy!
By Dave and Deb December 8, 2014 - 9:58 pm
Thanks Brad. I’m realizing more and more how important it is for Dave to have support. I can see how it can become disheartening to be stuck in the hospital. Visits and conversations keep the spirits up and promote healing. You are so right, the White House can wait. Cheers!