Status
Not open for further replies.

Jamiekay

New member
Joined
Jul 27, 2013
Messages
8
Reason
Loved one DX
Country
US
State
Washington
City
Edgewood
Last Wednesday changed me to the core. At work I had the biggest presentation on my career, knowing that my father was getting the diagnosis of his life it was hard to concentrate one anything else. After my big presentation to my bosses, boss, boss I went home and learned that my father had ALS. The conversation was short with my mom and dad didn't want to talk at all. Later in the evening mom had a couple of drinks and called me back. She said that she thought I might have some questions and asked what they were.......


.... Of course I did. So many questions running through me head. I asked, what has dad always wanted to do?

Mom said, "It's funny you should ask, he have talked about that today." "Your father has always wanted to go to Australia!" "Geez mom, give me something I can work with!" I joked.

Since Wednesday my husband and I have talked about this utter truth my mom told me about on the first day.

We think we can make it happen for them. My question resides in not how to, but how to convince them to go. Dad is in the early stages we believe. His right leg drags and his speech is effected and he has lost 20 pounds but I know how can travel. I don't know if they would accept this gift. We want to do something that they have to remember for later. More importantly, I want all of my dads dreams to come true before its too late. My parents have been married for over 30 years, I don't know how mom is going to survive. I want her to have more memories, both of them.

I was given contact information today of a travel agent who's husband had ALS and I am thinking of prebooking the trip (after the next dr apt in August) and just telling them here is where you are going. But I also have to get them passports, we can expedite them but how do I do all this without telling them? I don't want them to turn the gift down, and I don't want them to think they are "putting us out" by getting this for them.

Any advice you can give......


Jamie
 
Hi Jamie,
If your father really wants to go to Australia then get him to go ASAP. I It will need them knowing about it so that passports can get started and you could plan the trip on what he wants to do there. Going while he is still mobile it will make the trip more enjoyable. I think it would be a great gift, Australia is a great place to go (New Zealand too). Just remember the seasons are opposite of ours. Lots of guys love to go there for the fishing. Touring the outback or visiting the cities, so much you can do there.
 
Jamie-

That's a beautiful gift! Not only do I hope your parents go, how great would it be if you could go with them.

Just wanted to say that since my diagnosis in April 2012, I have been fortunate to travel to Europe three times as well as to several North American destinations as well. We have taken independent trips as well as escorted tours. The easiest by far ( for me) are the cruises. There is plenty of time to rest between excursions - no rushing from pillar to post. There are wonderful and affordable cruises in Australia and New Zealand.

This may be inappropriate, but if you are interested, our senior forum member "Akmom" is an accredited and knowledgeable cruise agent. She's an expert on accessible travel. She "gets" it because she's "got" it!

I'm certain she could give you with a lot more insight and suggestions. She provided me and some friends with great service this past spring. Traveling with ALS is very doable and pleasurable - it's all in the planning.
 
Elaine I would love the information! Thank you both for your replies.
 
I also think it's a great idea, and akmom (Joyce) would be a great source. Remember to have equipment ready before he needs it... especially a scooter for traveling. Let him save his energy where he can.
 
Jamie,

Just be careful that your not being to pushy. PALS do need time to come to grips with ALS and each of us process the reality of what is happening to our body and that could take time. Talk it over with your parents don't spring it on him after the Aug Dr. appointment with a pre booked trip. I could be wrong but just think it over.
 
Hi Jamie,
If your father really wants to go to Australia then get him to go ASAP. I It will need them knowing about it so that passports can get started and you could plan the trip on what he wants to do there. Going while he is still mobile it will make the trip more enjoyable. I think it would be a great gift, Australia is a great place to go (New Zealand too). Just remember the seasons are opposite of ours. Lots of guys love to go there for the fishing. Touring the outback or visiting the cities, so much you can do there.
I think skikaz said right, Australia is really great place for trip , i think your father really enjoy that place.......
 
Great idea! When I was first diagnosed, I went on a month long trip. Felt really good to get away. It gave me time to deal with the news at my own pace. I delegate the task of sharing the news, so I didn't have to. Best thing I could have done. By the time I came back, everybody had some time to get over the initial shock and we could move on. Good luck!
 
What a wonderful idea! When I was 1st diagnosed I took off to France to see friends and people that meant a lot to me. Now that in a chair and travel is more difficult I'm really glad I did it. Make sure the airlines know to have a chair for him, because there's no such thing as a small airport. My simple advice is to use a travel agent or go directly to the airline sites and deal with their professionals. I have always had trouble when I've used general travel sites.

It's a great thing you're doing and I'm sure you will appreciate it. Just remember the only things changed about your dad is his muscles not his heart or soul. Good luck!
Hollister
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top