Vicki

Member since: 9/21/2007

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My Trip to Visit Mother

10/19/2007 at 06:01 PM

We took a trip this weekend.

My mother lives in Air Force Village, a retirement community for former military and dependents, located in San Antonio, Texas. She has had several strokes in the last few years since moving to the Village, and as a result moved to the Freedom House section for those who need more help. She can no longer come see me. It was time for me to take a trip.

When I was younger and able to move about and drive, it would not have taken more than a minute to decide to jump in the car and drive for hours, day or night. No problem. However, now life is different. My level of disability and particular MS symptoms make it difficult for me to move. I have trouble sitting still for long periods, and traveling is no longer fun and easy. But it was time for me to take a trip.

I used to look forward to trips, but I used to do a lot of things I no longer do. I was nervous. We loaded ourselves into the car and set off. Well, actually, Garry loaded us into the car, situated the cart on the lift, and we set off. About three hours later, my bottom was telling me it was time to get off that seat. (Note to self: Use gel pad in the car on the way back.)

Okay. We are there. We go into Freedom House in time to see dinner served to my mother. I rolled up to her. My mother and I looked each other in the eye. Did she know me? I think so, but maybe I thought she knew me because I wanted her to know me. She smiled, but did not say much. She rarely spoke any more, but we sat together and held hands and connected. This was good.

We stayed that night in an Air Force Village guest room that was comparable to a nice hotel room. I could not even reach the bathroom sink, but there was a frig to keep my medicine cool and enough room for my cart. It was fine. Now, the bed. The mattress was nice and firm and we had brought extra pillows to prop my legs, I really like my adjustable bed at home, but did not realize how dependent I have become on it to change my position. I could not breathe, my legs were miserable; it was a nice bed, but it did not work for me.

It was a good trip. I am glad we went. Now I have to make notes for the next time we feel adventurous. The car seat was really uncomfortable on the ride down, but better on the way back when we transferred the gel pad from my chair to the car seat. I need to try different things on my bed so I can handle a flat bed using extra pillows. It was a good trip and I learned from it.

Lesson learned: Traveling is still possible and it can be a good thing. The key to a good trip is planning. And one thing I cannot forget to plan -- time for recovery after returning home. Now, where can we go next?

Filed under: multiplesclerosis, caregiver, disability, disaboom, multiple_sclerosis, vickismspath, health, caretaker, multiple+sclerosis, care, healthcare, caring, training, cartrip, tips, travel, disabled, ms, trip

Comments

On Oct 19, 2007 Tiffiny said:

what a sweet story. thanks for sharing the pic too.

- tiffiny
On Oct 19, 2007 Debbie said:

come to my house!lol seriously though, you have unconditional love in your heart for your mom, so nice to see..really nice picture too. xoxo
On Oct 23, 2007 luckyirish226 said:

I like the pic as well! Glad you got to spend some time with your mom.
On Oct 24, 2007 Vicki said:

Thanks to all of you for your sweet comments. I think we both benefited from the visit.
On Oct 26, 2007 grjenkin said:

I have a concern. While you and your mother visited together, I sat over to one side. A resident black and white cat climbed into my lap. It then proceeded to bathe itself for 20 or 25 minutes. When finished, it jumped down and casually walked away. I was used, right?
On Oct 30, 2007 Vicki said:

Right. The cat choose your lap. He knew his job was to comfort the residents, so he thought you needed attention. Either he was doing his job, or, being a cat, he chose a lap he thought looked inviting.

Yes, you were probably used.

Lucky you.