WE DID IT!!!

WE DID IT! When Janie mentioned the possibility of another trip for me that would be a challenge and a milestone, I couldn't say no. So she planned a 7-day Caribbean Cruise. The preparations actually began in August and we left for Tulsa on February 27th. Our flight to Houston left Sunday morning at 6am so we decided to spend Saturday night at a hotel near the airport. The alarm clock went off at 3:15am and we were at the airport around 4:30am. We assumed the most challenging part of the trip would be the flights, and we were correct. There are no direct flights from Tulsa to San Juan, Puerto Rico and each segment would require four transfers. The first portion of the flight was on a SMALL plane and we barely fit in the bulkhead seats. Using my new "Comfort Carrier" the gate attendants had an easier time getting me onto the isle chair and then into the seat than on previous flights I've taken. We arrived in Houston on time and my power chair was waiting for me in the jet way. We had over two hours before the plane left for San Juan and Alison met us at the gate. Janie and I were so happy Alison could accompany us! She was very helpful and added so much fun! Soon we boarded the plane and had no problems on the 4-hour flight to San Juan.

We expected my power chair to again be on the jet way in San Juan airport, but it seems it was lost! After 1 1/2 hours of concern and frustration turning to anger, it appeared in the baggage claim area, sitting on top of a huge dolly. They couldn't figure out how to turn it on or operate it manually so lifted the 250 pound chair onto the dolly. We were just glad to finally see it since by then we had less that an hour before the ship left port. (And, for the entire trip the chair didn't operate properly - no tilt!) A special power-chair accessible van took us to the Royal Caribbean dock. We found our room on the 10th deck and were happy that all of our luggage was there waiting for us. After our first meal on the ship we walked around the promenade some and got to bed early after such a long day.

We were so pleased with our room and especially the balcony. Each morning we were eager to open the drapes and look out on the new port. I spent as much time as possible on the balcony enjoying the wonderful views, soaking up the sun and feeling warm at last. We visited Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten and St. Croix. Most days we did get off the ship for a couple of hours to enjoy local flavor and to shop. Some areas were more handicap-accessible than others. Janie and Alison continually tried to keep me covered on these outings so I wouldn't get sun burned.

There were a few bobbles that we were able to handle, like no roll-in shower chair as promised, and the Hoyer lift didn't work with my sling, but Janie and Alison managed. The crew on the ship was so helpful and accommodating. Irwin kept our room clean and tidy, always getting us fresh ice and making fun animals out of the towels. Four pool attendants made sure I could safely get into and out of the hot tub (heavenly warm water - but not too hot!). And Ricardo met us on the top deck each evening with our favorite drinks for the "sail away". This was a ritual we grew to love more and more each day.

If you've been on a cruise, you know that there is always FOOD! We enjoyed as much as we could, and especially loved the lobster dinner. In fact that night, I even had lobster for dessert too!

On the last day of the cruise I was able to have a massage! Alison, Janie and 4 spa attendants got me on the massage table and onto my stomach and for one hour I enjoyed the "hot stone" massage. I forced myself to stay awake; it was so relaxing. Afterward, I was especially like a limp noodle!

We hated to leave our home-away-from-home on Sunday, March 7th. We left around 11:30am but had a long wait for the power-chair accessible van to get us to the airport. We made it in plenty of time for the flight from San Juan to Houston. We were very anxious about our connection in Houston - only 50 minutes. We were assured over and over not to worry - Continental will hold the plane for us. And, they actually did! And Alison even made her shorter connection to Denver. We arrived in Tulsa around 10:30pm, drove to Tahlequah and when we pulled up, Susan met us and unloaded all the luggage and helped me get settled. I was finally in bed around 2:00am! For two days now I have been catching up on my rest and reliving the wonderful trip. And Janie keeps asking, "What's next?!"

If you would like to see more pictures of my cruise, come by for a visit and I'll share them with you. Thanks to you all for your encouragement that this was something that I COULD DO!!