Those Days Are Gone!

With all the awful news about that cruise liner tragedy, I began to reminisce about my traveling days. Those aboard a ship were fine until my walking became erratic. The last trip was in the summer when I finally stepped beyond my denial and accepted that something was wrong. I had started my year of doctors, tests, and frustration. I informed the first doctor that I had a trip planned, and he encouraged me to go. I could see early on that my sea legs were gone. At one time, I had been able to scamper all over seagoing vessels – I felt the rhythm of the ship and adapted quickly. On that final voyage, the rhythm was gone, and I needed to take hold of railings or chairs or walls to make myself walk steady and not look like I had been spending all day in the bar. That was in ’03, and by today, I wouldn’t even attempt it. I know that other bloggers and visitors have been on cruises, both in wheelchairs and out, and I commend them. However, for me, I know I wouldn’t do it. I’m unwieldy in a manual chair, and I only have a scooter, which isn’t good in small spaces. Then there’s the fear factor. What would happen if I were on a ship that had a misfortune such as the Costa Concordia? I’d have been either trampled or abandoned. I k now – others would try to help me, but I couldn’t put someone else at risk. I’d just feel safer on solid ground.

The other dilemma is air travel. My last flight was four years ago, and I remember that trip well. It was a business trip, and I thought I was well prepared – I even took my husband along as a precaution. First, we learned that you need to call ahead to reserve a wheelchair. Fortunately, they took pity on me, and let us use one. Next was the security issue – much less than now. I had my brace by then, and although it’s mostly hard plastic, there’s still a metal catch on it. I had to exit the line, as those around me stared. A nice woman helped me into a separate room to remove the shoe and brace. She swung her magic wand over it and me, and she assured us that all was well. I then had to explain my DMD with my doctor’s note. It was only a two-hour flight, but I needed to use the rest room. That was a very unsteady walk. The hotel stay was just as difficult, and at the end of a few days, I was exhausted.

Now, I just plan to stay at home or go places accessible by car. Each time I feel a sense of wanderlust, I remind myself of the consequences. My bucket list included travel to some of the world I’d yet to see, but I’ll have to be content as a voyeur. I’ll visit those places vicariously through others because my traveling days are definitely over!

Peace,
Muff