As I sit here and write this I am onboard a flight, 30,000 feet in the air, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida accompanied by my best friend, Lauren. To me this trip seems almost surreal in a way because I never thought it was going to come to fruition. It felt, almost, as though it were simply a pipe dream – something to sit around the house and fantasize about.
Five years ago Lauren and I started this somewhat expensive tradition of traveling. I’ve long been a fan of spending ones’ money while one has it because you can’t take it with you when you are gone. This mantra evolved into countless adventures across the US and abroad with my, among many other titles, travel buddy.
We’ve gone to Mexico and ventured off to Orlando a few times and even throw in a Vegas trip to name a few. Traveling with her was becoming almost as dependable as our outrageous Christmas gifts for each other. It was a tradition I didn’t foresee ending anytime in the near future.
Then December of 2008 rolled around and my life changed dramatically. Traveling to and from the living room without losing my breath became the priority. Traveling anywhere outside the home was virtually impossible and the mere thought of that type of travel would simply exhaust me.
It became my goal shortly thereafter to one day be healthy enough to escape my mothers careful eye and go on at least one more vacation with my travel buddy. I’ve had more ups and downs than an airplane in the past two years, and at times it seems like a constant row of downs without end in sight. Then somehow I ended up at the end of 2010, relatively healthy, fatter than I have been in 2 years, and wanting desperately to put a check mark next to this item on my ‘bucket list’.
It’s no secret booking travel with me can be somewhat of a daunting task. Obviously the thought of ‘what if something happens’ crosses everyone’s mind, fear not, Lauren is consummate professional and is fully prepared to brief any medical personnel on my complete medical history and full list of medications should the situation arise and I not be able to. Then of course there is the travel insurance one would be stupid to not buy (though this time, I didn’t…). Additionally, even though I feel good – I still get fatigued relatively easily and out of breath at times.
So here we are, travel booked and on our way. I couldn’t be more excited because this is a day I really didn’t know would come. There aren’t any mixed emotions with this blog entry, no wishy washy feelings… I’m so excited to be able to embark on this trip. I know Lauren needs it desperately, and for every but she needs it – I have wanted it, as a personal goal for myself.
Sitting here, staring out the window, I’m reminded… even though my life might have changed, it is still worth living. It is in moments like this I am glad I have continued my fight even when the insurmountable odds were stacked against me.
So, without further adieu, Bon Voyage… Im Up Up and Away!!!
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