A ROAD TRIP

Last weekend, I undertook a huge project. My client, Matt who is totally dependent on nurses to make sure he gets every breath - was invited to a wedding in Iowa. I asked another nurse who cares for him, if she would like to take a ROAD TRIP with us! Any outing is a huge ordeal when you are taking a disabled adult who relies on machines to breathe, clear his airway and maneuver him around. But, knowing our stuff and trusting one another...my friend and cohort in crime was up for the adventure. And, if Matt's van was up for the trip...then we were too.

I have cared for Matt for 20 out of his 22 years. My friend, has cared for him 18 of those 22 years. We know him well. We are two of his many "other mothers". Because my folks live in Iowa in an EARTH HOME, there was a method to my madness. Matt doesn't like stormy weather. He had never been in an Earth home before, and if it did happen to rain or thunder, he would experience what it was like inside one, quiet and very safe. Even if it didn't storm, it was a good excuse to divert the trip. For me and for Matt.

So, Friday noon we departed with his handicap van full of his suppliles. This included 3 plastic containers full of suction catheters, feedings, blue-pads, extra suction machine, extra ventilator, extra car batteries and everything one might think he or she would need to make this 5 hour trip safe and enjoyable. We arrived 7 miles south of Jesup at my parent's home at 6pm. We unloaded and made ourselves to home in their living room. They watched with amazement and wonder. Their sofa became his bed for the night and me and my cohort worked side by side, getting him all settled in. We took turns staying awake with him, while the other one catnapped. The next day... we loaded up and headed to Dubuque, IA to the wedding reception and hotel where we would again unpack and set up and get Matt to the wedding reception. We too, got to attend this beautiful reception.

The three of us holed up in our hotel room for the night, catnapping and sharing the cares that one nurse usually does. It was fun, hard work and tiring all at the same time. None of us, including Matt didn't get much sleep, but no one complained.

We arrived back at Matt's home around 4pm on Sunday. Unloading, putting away, we got him resettled in his own surrounding safely and securely. Without a hitch, this trip was a success for all.

As I got in my car heading west back to River Falls, the late afternoon sky stared back at me. I found the tears flowing down my cheeks. No sobbing, just tears. Were they happy tears? Sad tears? Lonely tears? Proud tears? Perhaps, a combination of tears. I was now going back to my home...which was vacant of others. Abby had left that afternoon to begin her 4th year of Medical school. I knew the house waited for me. So, I picked up the phone and called Ty and Wendy. "Can I come by and hug Avery? - I need an Avery fix!" ,I said. Her little smile greeted me as Ty placed her in my arms. yes, it was just what the Dr. ordered!

Paying if forward feels good. I know I don't do it enough in my life. But...helping others less fortunate than ourselves experience their life from another vantage point gives one a sense of wellbeing.

It rained while we were in the Earth home, but it didn't thunder. Matt got to see the old farm house where I grew up. He got to see the big Mississippi River at Dubuque. He got to schmooze with the wedding party and their friends. He got to see the back roads of Iowa. He got to get away for a weekend. Have a good day. Deb