We were up and out of the house by 7 am. Evan, Pauline's youngest, a senior, gets bonus points for driving us so early on a Sunday! After a quick and efficient curbside check in at San Jose airport, we said our goodbyes and rolled to the gate.
The Hawaiian Airlines plane had recently been upgraded to lie -flat seats. Imagine our joy! Mom was super comfy and basically slept the whole way. It was a very nice flight. Flying out of San Jose was genius, it made everything so much simpler. And, Jeff was waiting there to pick us up.
I think Karen, Mom and I would all agree that we would of course have preferred that my Mom not have a stroke. But the fact that she did, gave us this incredible opportunity to do something daunting and intense together, and to realize that not only could we do it, we could enjoy parts of it, and help each other through it. My Mom has said she had a wonderful trip and she's not sorry it happened.
Throughout this ordeal (although "ordeal" may be a stretch since we have returned with an intact Mom, memories of a beautiful city, and a suitcase full of loot - shoes, bags, cheese and salami!) she has not complained even once. She has not felt sorry for herself or even seemed worried about the new Diana - the numbness and tingling on her left side, the learning to walk and get back to her routines, any of it. It's just incredible and humbling. My Mom has showed us that she lives her life with pragmatism, bravery, and positivity, looking always forward and finding the best in people and situations.
Yet another quote from the Mr. Rogers movie that I had stopped to record resonates with me now, as I recall the taxi drivers, the United lady, Patty!, the nurses, the guides, the doctors, the wheelchair salesperson, the tourist agency and hotel people, the wheelchair pushers, the gate agents, and so many others we encountered during this trip. He says, "Look for the people who are helping you. You will always find somebody that is trying to help. From the time you were very little you've had people who have smiled you into smiling, talked you into talking, sung you into singing and loved you into loving." We had a lot of helpers along the way that we are grateful for, and we could not have done it without them.
Thanks for coming on this journey with us and for all your positive thoughts and fun comments! We are now home, safe and sound! Arrivederci! Ciao!
Linda
2018-10-22
Glad you're on your way home (hope you're actually here already!). Good timing to be back in your own bed as you welcome a new year! Happy Birthday!
Hobbs
2018-10-22
I’m glad you’re all home. Sounds like a hard but satisfying adventure! Happy birthday too- hope you celebrate well!!
Cindy
2018-10-26
I I have read through all of this - sorry for the delay - I was in Maine and not able to access email. What an amazing and inspiring story. And Maia I love you writing style and enjoyed seeing all of the wonderful photos. Your mom looks great and I am so thankful she is doing so well. Big hugs! This is a trip you will always remember.