James and Kelly Raber had followed the traditional Canadian dream: marriage, careers, children, and home ownership. But five years ago, they made a radical decision that would transform their lives completely. They sold nearly all their possessions, purchased a fifth-wheel trailer, and hit the road with their three young children and two dogs.
From Stability to Crisis
When the Rabers first bought their house, it felt like they had finally achieved success. However, the satisfaction was short-lived. James's military injuries began worsening unexpectedly, and a surgery revealed irreversible damage that ended his physically demanding career.
Meanwhile, Kelly was managing three children, supporting her husband, and barely keeping their finances afloat. The family struggled intensely, nearly lost their home, and eventually filed for bankruptcy. "It was the lowest point in our lives," Kelly recalls.
The Turning Point
After years of battling the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, James received a 100% disability rating adjustment. This victory brought both relief and clarity about their limited time together. They realized they didn't want to rebuild the life that had broken them.
Instead, they sought freedom, connection, and quality time as a family. In 2019, they sold their house and purchased a fifth-wheel trailer, planning to travel for two to three years while searching for a community that truly felt like home.
Overcoming Skepticism and Finding Freedom
Not everyone supported their decision. Half of their family and friends reacted negatively with comments like "You'll regret this" and concerns about the children's socialization. Others were cautiously supportive but hesitant.
The family's perspective shifted dramatically during their early travels. At a small campground in Nipton, California, their oldest daughter declared, "I want to do this forever." This moment made them realize their temporary solution had become their preferred way of life.
In Washington state, they fully embraced their nomadic lifestyle, stopping treatment of their journey as temporary and choosing to live without constraints.
Making RV Life Work
Logistically, the Rabers plan their travels about a year in advance and solidify details six months out. They maximize their Thousand Trails membership, which allows them to stay at campgrounds across North America for minimal additional fees. They even traded their original 42-foot rig for a smaller model to access more national and state parks.
Their children have always been homeschooled, but traveling has enriched their education beyond textbooks. They've stood in the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed and learned history firsthand.
Financially, selling their house allowed them to start debt-free. James's disability income provides partial support, but they sustain themselves through various entrepreneurial ventures including Kelly's business supporting authors, James's real estate projects, and their joint content creation.
Five Years of Transformation
Now five years into their journey, the Rabers measure their days by sunsets, campfires, and hikes rather than calendars. James's ongoing health challenges, including nerve pain and the difficulty of coordinating care while moving every few weeks, reinforce their commitment to making the most of their time together.
They've witnessed firsthand how quickly lives and landscapes can change, from visiting Oak Alley Plantation shortly before Hurricane Ida altered it forever to walking Sanibel Island beaches months before Hurricane Ian struck.
The family has adopted the motto "Your Dream, Your Way" and shares their experiences through RoadRabers, helping other families reimagine life beyond traditional boundaries. Kelly emphasizes that their lifestyle isn't about perpetual vacation but about creating a life that fits their family's needs and values.
"Selling our house didn't just change our address," Kelly reflects. "It gave our family our life back."
