As part of my WEGO Health writing challenge, I was asked to write about a "dream vacation." If I could go anywhere in the world where would I go? At first my mind began flooding of various possibilities: Australia, Paris, Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean. But then my mind hesitated. Even without financial worries, would these really by my "dream vacation"? The more I considered the question, the more my mind thought about my past few vacations...... July 2013 - Just a few months after Gastroparesis made an impact on my life. I was just beginning to learn how to live with not only Gastroparesis, but also a feeding tube that I had received during my 2nd hospitalization in May 2013. I was sore but strong willed. This illness and tube would not define my life. My family and I headed to New York City. I had been looking forward to visit NY for many years, and now my family and I were actually going to be there. I was so excited! Overall, we had a nice time. Due to my lack of energy, we depended on subways, taxis, and tour buses to move us around. We were unable to have a true NY experience, since I was unable to physically walk around and explore, but we were OK with that. We had a lot of fun even if I was exhausted; At times didn't even think I would make it to the subway or back to the hotel, but I did and it was definitely worthwhile. I returned home very sore and fatigued, but felt strong mentally, and loved the time I had with my family. I looked forward to returning again with more energy. (Little did I know that my level of energy would continue to dwindle as days, weeks, months, and even years moved on.) Spring 2014 - My family decided to take an extended weekend trip to the mountains, just a few hours away. We had reserved a cabin and planned on it being a low key, relaxing with each other, kind of trip. Overall, we enjoyed our time at the cabin. My husband cooked the majority of the meals outside on the grill, had a smore cookout one night, and enjoyed time in the jacuzzi. (I swear if I had a jacuzzi, I would live in it.) I'm not sure if it was from trying a little bit of a biscuit or from eating a graham cracker, or just me, but that Sat night my husband almost had to take me to the ER for intense pain that my meds would not help. The next day, we spent the day at the cabin, mostly watching TV and playing on technology devices. Once again, we were trying to stay away from the ER. I was so thankful that my kids didn't seem to be irritated about how our trip ended. I honestly believe it bothered me much more than them. I was so upset and hurt. Yes, I enjoyed the time with my family, but why did I have to feel so bad. What was wrong with me? How could I change it? Summer 2014- My husband and kids took a few small vacations, involving just 1 or 2 nights away without me. My symptoms from Gastroparesis and side effects from my medicines were too much for me to handle and I did not want to hinder their fun and enjoyment. I wanted my kids to have a great time! I didn't want to be a burden to them. They went deep sea fishing a few times and to Kings Dominion, all of which I wished I could have been a part of. It was extremely difficult for me to stay home. I desired to be with them so much. I felt so isolated. But how could I have gone? I could barely do anything at home. At least I was able to stay busy by spending the majority of my days with my dear grandmother (MAMA). October 2014 - Now this was a magical trip for me! God really blessed me here. I had just lost my grandmother a few weeks earlier. My kids and I were hurting emotionally from letting her go, even though we knew that she was in a better place. To ease our pain, my husband and I decided to embark on a family trip to the Nascar Race in Charlotte. We even purchased PIT Passes, which was a first for us all. I didn't know how this would work out, but I pleaded with God to please help me be able to enjoy this time with my kids. I have to say, God truly answered my prayers. My nausea, pain, fatigue were present, but at least they remained tolerable and I was able to hide them from the family. We were able to meet a few of the race car drivers, including my all-time favorite Martin Truex, Jr. We had great seats and ALL of us had a fantastic time! Memories were definitely made on this trip that will last a lifetime. I am sad to say, that was my last vacation. My issues seem to have progressively gotten worse. I am literally scared to take a trip anywhere; especially when simple outings to the grocery store, child's sporting events, and even a movie have become difficult for me. Hopefully, this will all turn around and change soon. So back to the question: If I could go anywhere in the world, where would I go? What would be my dream vacation? My answer would have to be another magical weekend like the one in Charlotte. I need a symptom free weekend with my kids! I want a vacation where I am able to ACTIVELY have fun with them. I know they'd love to return to Disney World, being they were too young to truly remember the last time when we went, or a return trip to NY. (Both which are hard for me to even fathom presently.) We've briefly thought about renting an RV and taking a road trip, possibly to TN, MO, or IN. At least I would always have a place to lay down if needed. I'd love to return to another Nascar race and possibly even see Martin Truex, Jr again. I just don't know when to tell if a vacation is feasible. How can I know when I will have a "good" weekend? How can I make plans in advance, when I don't even know how today will be? All I know is that any vacation that results in having fun with my 3 kids is what makes my vacations memorable. My kids are what keep me going. I don't believe it's the location that truly matters. I don't really care where I go, near or far, as long as we are able to spend quality time as a family. To be perfectly honest, I think I'm just in need of a vacation from myself. Or better yet a vacation from Gastroparesis. Then all vacations with my family will be dream vacations for me!
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Trisha BundyA proud mother, educator, Gastroparesis & GI Motility Disorder Advocate, Like my content? Want to thank me with a small token of appreciation? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1LH7R639ORBML?ref_=wl_share
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