09 October 2011

Things happen for a reason

A little more about the activities is in order in the event some of things may help you if you get the chance to travel. I've posted before about my dream of traveling to England, Ireland, Scotland and possibly Wales.

I've always read ever since I learned to read back in first grade. Books were a constant companion. What really impressed me was when one of my teachers read "Charlotte's Web"-E.B. White to the class. I looked forward each day to class time. And in high school, I came across a book about Tzu Hsi. I read another book about Stonehenge. By the time I entered 10th grade, I had made up my mind that I'd like to visit England. Thus, was born a determination to go. Up until about 5 years ago, I'd always felt this was out of my reach.

For some reason, I thought it cost about $20,000 to take a trip. To a rez girl, that's a whole year's wages before taxes and whatnot. When I revived my dream of writing a book, my dream about travel to England was also given more thought. I started researching. When I found out the trip was doable in terms of money, like about two to three thousand, I started thinking about taking my mom with me. My sons had already said they wouldn't go.

Well, then she got double pneumonia and ended up needing oxygen at home. Still, I started saving money and thinking about things we'd need. Special considerations would have to be planned for. The concentrator she used was bulky, heavy and hard to transport. The portables only lasted for a few hours and wouldn't be allowed on the plane anyway. She started to give up on that also.

One of the items listed on the Trip Memo was for those who need oxygen. $400 was needed to rent a Portable Oxygen Container. We'd seen people carrying these at the various casinos. Still thought they'd cost lots and they do. About $3000 for one of those babies.

Mom called the oxygen supply company to find out about the POC. Well, they have one already approved for airline travel, it was already paid for and we got extra batteries. The airline's webpage had a Special Needs page and the last thing we needed was the letter from the doctor for her to be able to use the POC on the plane. When we got that part of the plan in motion, it dawned on me. "We can go to England." Her eyes lit up.