It was 8:30 AM when I arrived at the airport on Monday, August 1. The goal: attempt to get on an airplane and fly to Grand Rapids Michigan for the Ms. Wheelchair America 2012 pageant. My mom, sister, physical therapist and two nurses were with me, going along with the adventure. All of us headed over to the check in with our 14 bags of luggage consisting of medical equipment such as a backup ventilator and suction machine, extra tubing, supplies, and clothes for the week.
I hadn’t flown anywhere since before my accident November 1, 2002. Since I’m a C-1 C-2 quad on a ventilator, my thought was that it would be too difficult or challenging to go anywhere else outside the great state of Minnesota. Even though the thought was always with me, it seemed like a daunting task to bring a full nursing staff and haul tons of equipment to a destination completely new to me. First there was the initial fear of the unknown and then the matter of doing all the planning to prepare.
The flight actually went better than I thought. My mom and therapist transferred me from my wheelchair to an aisle chair and then from there to the airplane seat. It was very comfortable, and I was sitting in the bulkhead so my vent and battery went on the floor right in front of me. The only thing that was difficult was that it was a very small airplane, just two seats on each side, so there wasn’t much overhead space for carry-ons. That also made it a little cramped for transferring. Once I was settled in though everything was good.
I was happy to be in Michigan away from my normal routine. The days were packed with activities and workshops along with judging sessions and speeches. Every day was something different and new. We did a scavenger hunt around Grand Rapids, went to an outdoor concert, and also tried out different restaurants in the area.
Throughout the week we had a total of three separate interviews with the judge’s. On Friday night all of the contestants gave their two-minute speeches on their platform. Saturday was the crowning; they first announced the top five. I was elated when they called my name to be in it! After answering one serious and one lighthearted question from the judges, they tallied the scores and then announced the runner-ups; I was forth! The winner was Josie Badger, Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania.
The trip was an amazing experience. I learned my limits but also how far I can push myself. Because the schedule was so crazy, it forced me to get up earlier in my wheelchair and get back in bed later than usual. I found that I actually slept better because I was doing things that required all of my energy. Since I’ve been back my whole routine is changed. I’ve been getting out more, especially in the evenings, and have been staying in my wheelchair a couple of hours later than I had before. I would definitely fly somewhere again if the chance arose.
Visit my blog “The Site That Breathes“ to read more about what happen each day at the Ms. Wheelchair America Contest 2012.
Are you reluctant to travel with your disability? Or have you had a positive traveling experience like I did?
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