Hi Everyone,
Well, our bags are packed and we’re ready to go to Dallas, Texas!
Many of you have asked how we prepare for a trip like this. Needless to say, I won’t go into every detail but it takes a great deal of organization to prepare for the unexpected…here are the highlights.
Corey and I will be sharing one large rolling duffle bag for the week that we will check at the curb when we arrive. (this is a huge improvement from the days we used to travel with 2 large duffle bags. 1 for medical supplies and the other for clothes, diapers and spare bed linens + my luggage).
Disabled individuals have some challenges to work with when traveling; however, a personal conversation with both the airlines and the TSA department at the airport helps to make the travel experience much easier.
A TSA agent will meet us at the security checkpoint. Because Corey has a VP Shunt, she cannot go through the xray machine. She and her wheelchair will have a private screening. We have all her medications, a personal water bottle, daily injection syringes, blood pressure machine, seizure shot and personal documentation in a backpack that are permissible and will be privately screened as well. Typically, Caitlin and I will go through the security checkpoint as usual and join Corey as she will be escorted through a separate area with the TSA agent assigned to her. Corey’s sightline of Caitlin and I will remain intact until we meet her on the opposite side (extremely important for her separation/stranger anxiety)
Once through security the TSA agent escorts us to the gate. At that point the gate agent takes over. Corey will be first on and last off but this trip, once Corey is wheeled down to the plane, she will stand and walk on with her sister. I will break down and secure her folding wheelchair to check it with the gate agent. Our last trip, the airline damaged Corey’s wheels and brake handle to her chair. This trip, I found a padded carrier cover online that secures all the chair parts for easier, safer transport. I purposely booked seats with plenty of leg room close to the lavatory for our 4 hour flight.(and if you’re wondering, Corey and I can both fit in the lavatory with the door closed…thank goodness!)
Once we land in Dallas, the girls and I proceed to the baggage claim with everyone else. We then find the rental car agency. Our last trip we needed to rent a handicapped van. This trip, we rented a standard SUV. Corey rides shotgun, Caitlin has the backseat and the wheelchair is in the trunk!
Corey was talking about the upcoming week. She is excited and nervous. There were moments she regressed emotionally not fully understanding the timeline of her healing and what her future holds for her. She was so upset at one point she voiced her anger and resentment at the driver that hit her. There are times words of comfort aren’t enough. Some days this road we travel seems to be never ending, yet every day we do the same thing…take the next step.
The important issue right now is not what has already happened or who is to blame for it. The important thing is to take the next step.
The goals Corey has reached are a direct result of continuing to take the next step; fighting through the concept that we will be doing this for as long as necessary.
The next steps we take with the Carrick Brain Center are no different than the steps we take every week at Bryn Mawr Rehab. Every step for Corey takes real work but in exchange for that real work, she continues to regain a piece of who she is and who she will become.
We will post a message everyday on the carepage and on my facebook page (Marie Palamara Beattie). We will let you know how and what Corey is doing and what she has achieved each day. If we permitted to video and/or take photo’s, we will post them on facebook and attach a link to our youtube page as well.
We made a pact almost 5 years ago, Corey. We promised we would work everyday to help your recovery; together, we will never give up and never give in because you will realize your dream of becoming a Chef.
“Three simple rules in life: If you do not go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you do not ask, the answer will always be no. If you do not step forward, you will always be in the same place.”
― Anonymous
Tomorrow is another ‘next step’. You have overcome thousands of obstacles because you follow those 3 simple rules. Your determination, tenacity and sheer ‘will’ has helped you to get to where you are today and will guide you towards where you are headed tomorrow. We all can’t wait to watch you take every next step! xoxo