I keep switching between flying alone to Cleveland or riding with Tom on the two-day road trip. The thought of flying alone, even with the help of a wheelchair, is concerning to me. How can I be assured I’ll get the service I need to get on the plane, get to my seat, get help going to the restroom, get to the hotel shuttle on my own, and manage to check in?
Without Tom with me, this is all intimidating, given my current breathing problems. What if I had another “heart episode” on the flight or at either airport? It’s already stressful at airports—getting the wheelchair, going through security, waiting to board, etc. Usually, none of this bothered me. Now, circumstances are different.
The more I think about it, the more I lean toward riding with Tom. This morning, we discussed avoiding a roadside rest for bathroom breaks. Instead, we can stop at a gas station or restaurant. Based on past experience, I can go all day in the car with only one restroom break.
As I write about this, I’m convinced I’ll ride with Tom. We’ll stop for breakfast and one restroom break during each day’s drive, and in each case, he’ll get me as close to the door as possible.
I am contemplating whether I can go out while here. I am wondering if I will be able to go out to dinner with family. It all depends on how much walking I’ll need to do to get to a table. I now know I can’t go to Billy’s on Friday with Tom’s siblings. There’s too much walking required to get in and out and to the restroom.
This morning, I called Cleveland Clinic about this issue. They suggested I go to an emergency room until I explained I’d already done that, spending two days in the hospital with lots of tests. Until I have surgery, there is nothing that can help me. It is the way it is.
We will continue with our plans to get to Cleveland Clinic. In the meantime, watching the Olympics is wonderfully distracting and gets me out of my head. All I have to do is make a salad today, and Tom will do the rest for dinner. Once we use the food we have on hand, we’ll start doing takeaway until it’s time to go.
My son Greg has Covid, and we were out to dinner with him the night before he got symptoms. It will be a relief when the incubation period ends. Right now, it’s been five days, and we are ok. Fingers crossed.
When it’s time to begin packing I will sit on the bed and do what I can. Tom will do the rest. Through all of this, we are still maintaining a good attitude and making the best of this situation.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, August 5, 2014:
Hi Jess. You may want to consider buying a foldable wheelchair. There only about $100+ and you can ease your mind of that stress at least. Best of luck. I’d be with my husband too.
Debbie, once we get there, we’ll have access to wheelchairs. For now, we are managing. Hopefully, I won’t need one later on. Thanks for writing.
Warmest regards,
Jess & Tom
Wanted you to know I think about you guys every day. And I am on team driving!
I am thinking about you every day, Jess & hoping for the best. Hugs!
Lisa, thanks for always thinking of me.
Much love,
Jess & Tom
I think of you and wish you well every day. I’m on Team Driving! Love you.
Staci, thank you for your thoughtful comments. Thanks for your love and support!
Love you,
Jess & Tom
Dear Jessica,
I have been worrying about you I will be praying for a safe time to the Cleveland
Clinic. Please let me know how things are going. Sending all my love and prayers.
Tel Tom to give me a hug for me.
Love you with all my heart.
Love you.
Phyllis, we’ll keep you informed. We are optimistic all will g well.
Lots of love,
Jess & Tom
Hi Jess and Tom,
We are so sorry you are facing all these challenges. What a difficult time for you both.
Have you considered returning your rental car so you can both fly? I would also want to travel together under your circumstances and this would allow you to avoid a strenuous car trip without being apart.
When you aren’t up to going with Tom on an adventure, you might be able to join the event via IPAD for a time. I know, not the same but …….
Payers and best wishes with whatever options you ultimately choose.
Judy and Gary Kelly
Judy, thank you for writing. Appreciate your kind comments.
Love,
Jess & Tom