Last January I was at a very low point.
I was finishing up my chemo, which was great, but I’d lost my dear Gerry, and even though my treatments for Lymphoma were almost finished, I felt terrible. Walking to the door was a problem, and I was relegated to a wheelchair for most of my adventures out of the house.
A year later I’m walking better, I’m actually getting out and running errands, although when I need to do shopping I STILL rely on the wheelchair/carts at Cub and Costco to get me around. Standing, or walking, more than 10-15 minutes knocks me out and there are new pains in my back that I can’t quite reconcile.
I decided last January that I needed something to look forward to. A trip, but one to a place where I hadn’t been, and would be excellent for someone who might not be able to move as well as I’d like. I also wanted to take my business partner, Kathleen, because she has stepped up to the plate SO spectacularly that I felt she deserved an amazing trip, too.
A bit of searching and I found a relatively inexpensive trip to Kauai for the both of us, I booked, it, and have been paying it off for the last year. I also, wisely, got trip insurance in case something came up to prevent us from going.
Well, something has come up. But I’m not letting it stop me. I’ll talk in greater detail when I return, but suffice to say I may be revisiting my journey of 2018. With that in mind, I pondered long and hard about the wisdom of a trip right now. But my oncology nurse said, “Go. Have a wonderful time. It will all be waiting for you when you get back!”
And I’ve decided to use that as my mantra!
I’m packed, we leave at 6:30 tomorrow morning (at the airport at 5:15!) and I’m filled with butterflies! Crochet work is packed for the long flights, and I’m as prepared as I can be. I’ve also arranged for wheelchairs at the airport because — well — some things remain the same…
Hawaii, here we come!!
Have a wonderful time! Perfect place to relax and pamper yourself. I’ve been a couple of times and one of my best memories is that the air smells so good.
Very smart to get wheelchairs at the airport. Not only will you not have to walk but it makes going through TSA really easy and fast. You get to cut the line.
Enjoy your trip. You’ve earned it and with Kathleen you’ll have great company. Make happy memories and post lots of pictures!
The numbers will still be there when you return. Some days they’ll be up and others down – just like a barometer. Forget them for now, dear Annie, and enjoy the days/
Your nurse is wise. Have fun!
Enjoy the trip. It can only help you in the future. All those beautiful sights you will see and feel!!
Enjoy the fantastic trip! As for taking wheelchairs through airports, that means you get the princess treatment you so richly deserve! You get to board first, get (usually) a “personal driver” to navigate those airport crowds, etc.
I’m going to suggest that while you dip your toes in the beautiful sands, enjoy the warm, merrily visualize those silly numbers melting, reforming into GOOD ones!
Love and hugs, and a significant bit of envy
Annie have a wonderful trip. I’m so happy you are going! A beautiful place to visit
You’ve chosen a wonderful place to visit. Hawaii is such a healing place and Kauai as the Garden Island may be the best. I hope you love every minute of your trip. I will be shocked if you don’t have a head full of color inspirations afterward.
If you don’t want to scuba dive or snorkel, you can just put on a mask and some fins to see things you won’t believe — a whole wonderful world. XOXOX, Nanette aka Stitchmoser aks Artmoser.
Have a wonderful trip. Relax and enjoy.
I am not sure if you are in a wheelchair. I don’t remember what the modifications were when I last went to Oahu (1983), but there were wheelchairs being pushed on the beach.
As for my info on snorkeling — if you can go in the water AT ALL, the saltwater will buoy you, and you can FLOAT ON TOP with just a mask for visibility and fins, to cover more area. You don’t even NEED the fins.
And, I believe you can rent an underwater camera at your hotel or snorkeling rental place.
The SCENT … I hope it is as good as in my memories.
Nanette
Bon voyage! I hope it will be a trip you remember for a very long time. Oh, and take sunscreen
Enjoy! find peace, relax
I’m so happy for you that you’re going! have a blast. I love the ideas all the other commenters have mentioned. Let it all melt, love. Enjoy!
Revel in the warmth of the sun and sand and the scent of flowers everywhere. Have a fabulous week Sending you a big bunch of love and hugs! Riva