ROAD TRIPPIN’ #1 2022
One of my favorite all-time things to do is a good old’ road trip. Just packing u the car and going.
That is before MS, though.
A trip to the grocery store requires a ridiculous amount of planning, so spending a weekend motoring around is much more exhausting. Before departure, it is absolutely necessary to map out rest stop breaks. As well as surprise potty breaks. And, emergency stops.
It is imperative to stay hydrated. Have plenty of water available AND be prepared for sudden and often humiliating unplanned trickles from the side of the car.
Enough said about bladder issues.
I lied. There is never enough said about potty issues. Sometimes I feel the urge to mimic Dr. Seuss: I can pee on a train. I can pee in the rain. I can pee with a fox. I can pee on a box. I can pee here or there. I WILL pee anywhere.
With bathroom locations secured, remember that every MS Warrior requires periodic stretch breaks. Spasticity is our companion, thus the need for rejuvenating stretching is important.
Even for a brief, informal journey, ample packing is a must. Extra undies and shorts, a variety of temperature appropriate outerwear.
I know this sounds like common sense, but I have bad news for you. That good ol’ boy passed away eons ago.
Road trips are fun but they do require preparation.
This week I had a lovely adventure. Wednesday, I took a 3.5-hour drive to the southern part of the state for a three-day stay. (Translated into a 4 1/2 hour drive to accommodate the MonSter.) I spent the night with my dear aunt and woke the next day to travel to one of West Virginia’s remarkable marketplaces: Tamarack.
As a guest novelist, I enjoyed several hours of book signings and meet and greets.
By dinner time, I was back at my aunt’s house minus $8.50 in turnpike tolls but excited to speak at a local Lion’s Club meeting where that travel expense (You’re welcome, WV Turnpike) was reimbursed several times over with the generosity of club member purchases. They are wonderful people and eager for me to return to future engagements.
Following a second late-night card game in Aunt Katie’s kitchen, sleep was quick. I am a notoriously early riser, so two nights of late bedtimes had me rattled. But I hung in there for this special time with this special relative. On the road again Friday and back to Tamarack for a shorter signing event and lunch had me itching to head home.
I used to love driving and still would if not for the hard plastic AFO binding my accelerator foot.
By the time the adventure ended Saturday evening, I was grateful to see my kitty and happy to set up camp on the couch. The busy weekend wasn’t over, though. Since the pandemic, the annual North Central West Virginia was virtual, but Saturday marked the day of physical reunion and I wouldn’t miss it. No, I didn’t actually walk this year, but was present as a cheerleader. The weather was splendid and the energy electric. I forgot to be tired until returning to the couch.
(Donna Galloway, NMSS support group leader)
It was a wonderful weekend, even if it brought reality up close and personal. Solo road trippin’ doesn’t hold the same allure as it once did. I’m not as comfortable on the open road with the MonSter as a travel companion. No amount of preparation eliminates personal anxiety.
(That’s my backside in the tan shorts:)
Top Team gets their 5 seconds.
This is an accurate adaptation of how I felt by the end of the weekend.
So… I’m treating myself for a job well done. Road Trip #2 2022 begins Thursday with a much-anticipated trip to my Happy Place: Bemis, WV.
And I'm not driving!:) Hubby will get me there safely.#offtheradar #happyplace #glamping
Have a great week!
Lisa, Lady With the Cane
