Memorial day to fly away

I haven’t been on a plane since being in a bad car accident in late 03. I used to fly 4 to 6 times a year both personal and professional trips. It was a joy to get away and relax on a plane. The thought now of flying doesn’t thrill me not because I am disabled but because of what the flying experience has turned into.
There are less people at ticket counters so there are long lines of anxious people at the sky caps, the kiosks, and the counters. There is the getting past the gate line- where shoes, belts, keys and whatever else comes up to detain an already anxious crowd trying to get to their flight ontime. Then there is the last minute food grab before you get on the plane (since they now hardly serve anything). So you wait in line for that. Then you get on the plane and it is flithy from the people who were on before and you pray you don’t get sick from all the germs.
Flying isn’t what it used to be but I joined my husband over the memorial day weekend to see his family.
My prosthetist, Gary, recommended that I ask for wheelchair service. Of course, I can walk so I said I can handle the walking and standing-besides it will be good exercise for me. He basically talked me into it.
So I did- a little embarassed by the fact that I am taking a wheelchair when I can walk fine with a cane.
I am so glad I did!!– it was a zoo at the airport and the wheelchair got me to the front of the line and with a little body exhibition of my metallic parts, I was off to the gate and the first one on the plane. Wo-hoo!!!
Sometimes it pays to suck it up and use what priveleges are available to you.
It was good to see his family and the weekend went by fast. The last night I got everyone together (no small feat in itself) for a dinner at Calandras to celebrate Joseph’s birthday. It was probably the first time Joseph has celebrated his birthday with his family in a long time and it also went by so fast. A magician was there to entertain the kids which was a nice touch the restaurant provided.
I look forward to our next flight—- this time maybe a pinot noir instead?

Tagged as: fly disability