Saturday, November 15, 2008

Make No Small Plans!

The holidays are creeping up on us. The Macy's tree is up and lighted, the Michigan Avenue Lights Festival is only a week away, and it's not even Thanksgiving yet.

Holidays can be a problem for those of us who live alone, far from relatives, but I made a big decision yesterday: I made plane reservations to accept my niece's invitation to visit her and her family in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for Christmas.

I've enjoyed visiting Cindy and her family in Houston, Texas, and now that they've moved to Tulsa, I'm anxious to see their "new" (remodeled) house, and of course to see them again this year.

Planning the trip requires a leap of faith: faith that I'll be able to walk well enough to travel by late December. It also brings thoughts of my unsold condo and my scheduled move to The Clare on January 9. At the very least, this will be a challenging holiday season.

Someone said, "Make no small plans." Time will tell if mine are overly ambitious, but just having those reservations makes me feel hopeful.

7 comments:

Pat's Place said...

My brother gave me a trip to Albuquerque for the Balloon Festival just five weeks after my first hip replacement. We would be staying with them and the guest room is upstairs. THAT was a leap of faith that I could do it and I did. It was WONDERFUL! I did just fine, but the trip through security is interesting! Now I breeze through because I know the routine, but it always takes me about 10 to 15 minutes longer than before. Ask your rehab people about hints for the trip. Mine gave me great hints. For instance, I bought a folding cane--never used it, but I had it. You will do just fine. I also took my ice packs to use for swelling and DID use those! Airlines are also great for helping with the handicapped. I also took time each day for resting because my energy level was still a bit low at that point. After the trip I was so proud of myself.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Sending wishes that you will do fine on this trip. It will be good for you to be around family.
I live alone but see someone usually once a week and talk to someone almost daily. But I know about living alone because I do.

Barb Davis said...

I admire your courage. You are going to have a wonderful Christmas!

Anonymous said...

so glad you are coming!
can't wait to see you!

Darlene said...

I'm sure you know about ordering a wheel chair when you make your reservations. I always do that when I travel and I breeze through the security gate with no problems. You get to board first and the crew are so helpful.

I, too, am going to travel for Christmas and will be at my daughter's home in California. That is one holiday that I want to be with family. Good for you taking the plunge.

Lydia said...

You are really something, Marlys. Your family is fortunate that you'll be with them.
(Your move to The Clare is on my birthday!)

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't have been able to make my long planned trip to Florida (my birth place) had it not been for the airlines and their wonderful treatment--wheelchair service, pre-boarding, etc. It made all the difference. Somehow the attendants got me through Security much faster as well. And the change of scene and family faces will do wonders for your recovery. Good luck!