Debbie,

I agree 100%. Shortly after my hubby passed, I visited family in another state. Even though I printed out the directions from a popular mapping site, I quickly found that it is not at all wise to read directions while driving. And, I also realized that reading the map/directions was not even feasible after dark!!!!!! My DH was my GPS and I traveled in naive bliss at how we even arrived at our destinations! I was shaking in my boots when I made my first trip without him and no GPS on my dash: palms wet, dry mouth, terrible experience.

Upon my return, I went POST HASTE to a store to purchase my first GPS. I did a lot of on-line searches and reviews before my shopping trip, but I was determined to know a little something about the devices when I entered the store and did not want to be taken advantage of by some clerk eager to make a quick sale at my ignorant expense.

I have traveled by myself beyond what I ever would have imagined due to the assurance that my "Jill" (yes, I named her and it is a matter of much laughter from friends and family) gives me while rambling down the road. I might add, though, that I never leave the garage without first printing out directions from the "Streets and Trips" trip planner program that I have owned for some time (updating on occasion). That way I always have a back up, just in case. Having an Atlas doesn't do it for me if I need to see specifics in a hurry, although that always travels with me as well.

Thanks for bringing this up. I put it into one of my earlier posts when I first joined DS, and it's good to see that there are others who have found the GPS to be liberating. Now when I go into the stores to check out the newest advances made, I usually can give them more information about my specific brand than what the clerk knows. I am often on the Web site and also have joined blog groups that give shortcuts and handy tips on usage.

Happy traveling. TJ

It's amazing how our husbands were human GPS's, just last week I went to price them and plan on getting one so I can take summer trips. That was one of my first worries after John passed. I thought to myself, "I'm so screwed when it comes time to go on job interviews ect". I never paid attention when we went anywhere, John always knew right where he was going. He would study a map, right it down and we got to our destination with no problems. I don't even know how to read a map. Good topic!

Just wanted to add that I did some, but not a lot, research before I made my purchase. I bought my GPS from eBay. It was a new unit and purchased for a fraction of the store prices.

It is suitable for my present needs.

Debbie,
I bought Rob a GPS for his birthday, 6/21 last year. He had started back to work before his recurrance. He was an electrician and drove everywhere on service calls. He kept getting lost because his memory was getting worse. It really helped him for the few weeks he managed to work. Not good to be an electrician when your memory is going so he went on disability. I enjoy using it now myself although i have a great sense of direction it is less stress. Although I second guess the thing many times thinking I know a better way. I can even argue with the GPS, Rob would find that funny. Hug, Donna

Debbie - This topic is timely as I just told my parents and sister this weekend that my purchase of a GPS right after John's death was one of the best thing I have done so far. I wanted to buy one while he was alive, and he would respond - "Why do we need that thing." However, he was a sales person who traveled all over New England so he knew how to get anywhere. But I am directionally challenged so I did purchase one. I call it one of life's greatest inventions. I would recommend the purchase for anyone traveling on their own. Jude

Me, I can drive for hours and pull up to the doorstep of wherever I'm going. Get me inside a big building or a mall though and I am LOST!

Used mine to make the trip back from Florida to Missouri. Love it....but, when I decided to alter the route somewhat....She (I call her Betty) kept suggesting to me that I make a "legal u-turn" for the first 20 miles of my altered route....:)!!! It did give me a much needed smile to "argue" with her until she make the necessary rerouting correction.

I am thrilled that he bought me a new car before he died (he really wanted the peace of mind to know that I'd have both safety and comfort) and it has a GPS built into it. I tend to talk myself through even something familiar - like driving to my best friend's house or my office! - "Okay, baby, you've passed that landmark before, you're still doing okay, not lost yet" - because I'm SO BAD at directions.

So yes, I couldn't make it all by myself and with no GPS.

My husband constantly got lost in the car - it was incredible. I got a GPS recently and so far it almost seems more trouble than its worth. Maybe I don't know what I'm doing with it.

My phone has a GPS which I used last Friday for the first time. I altered the route in route and it reprogramed for the altered route right away. It was a pretty handy thing to have. My husband took the strangest routes. He would get annoyed if I told him that he was going to need to turn right at the next light..like "I know" ..but if I didn't remind him he would pass the turn and then ask me why I didn't say something. Men, driving and directions...if anyone could bottle the understanding of them....

I bought one for my husband: his last birthday. I have since given it to my direction challenged father. I think they're great, but I don't really go anywhere I haven't been a thousand times.

I was always the navigator while Cliff did the driving. I've only really been driving since shortly after he died because he did all the driving. I'm okay here, but it might be worth considering a GPS when I get to England and have to learn all over again where the heck I am. That is, if I can get over my fear and confusion about "roundabouts"......