My heart says no, but my mind says yes. It was an incredible conflict I faced today.
My heart ached for everything to stay the same; to be all right. My mind said that it is OK, it is all about Ron. This great tug of war between my heart and mind came to light when we realized it was time for Ron to be admitted to palliative care.
In this blog we have chosen to keep it light. I find as we support Ron in his journey, it is more difficult to gloss over the reality. I believe in my heart that Ron has gallantly endured more discomfort to stay aboard Ta Daa as long as possible. The truth is that this sinister mass consuming his chest cavity and organs is taking its toll - physically, emotionally and mentally - each and every day.
Today while visiting Andrea, his esteemed physician, Ron stated it was time for him to go to palliative care. He has not slept a full night since November. We knew this but he felt the snippets he was catching was enough. Couple the lack of sleep with pain that would not go away and you get one fatigued, exhausted man. While explaining how he felt and the frustration, tears welled up in his eyes. Unfortunately, a bed was not available. Ron settled for spending one or two nights at Doug and Karen's. I had, I thought, a couple days to digest Ron's request. To Ron's benefit, a bed became available.
This meant, for me, Ron likely will not set foot again on our boat. Our boat was not my dream, it was not Ron's dream. It is our dream. Wow, I need to work through this. My heart wanted to deny and scream NO, it is not time for us to end our dream - at least not like this. My mind admitted that this was right for Ron and this is all about Ron, his comfort, his peace of mind and contentment. This is also Ron's way of continuing to take care of me. He worried about situation that would be next to impossible to deal with while living on a boat.
We shared many teary times today. I will admit that this whole week has been weepy for me. After picking up a handicap tag for the car and a wheelchair we swung past the boat to get gear for Ron to take to the hospital. Every moment was agony. The drive to Saanich Peninsula Hospital was silent. I asked Ron if he was hungry. I can't believe it but he requested McDonalds drive through over hospital food for supper.
Once we arrived at palliative care, Ron felt a great sense of relief. The nurses made sure he was comfortable and were more than attentive to his needs. Tonight his meds were slightly adjusted. Tomorrow there would be a consultation with the palliative care doctor and Andrea. Andrea wants to find out what else is going on to cause discomfort in his hip.
Ron's spirit has stayed strong. Ron's sense of humour has not diminished. Ron's physical house for his body is severely failing him. Earlier I mentioned the mass consuming his chest cavity. This has caused obvious physical change in Ron. He has lost weight, his legs and left hand are swollen, his gait is extremely impaired, his breathing is shallow and often laboured. It does not matter the physical, mental or emotional changes. The Ron today is still the man I fell in love with and married on August 16, 1997. Nothing will ever change that.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Ripples In A Pond
Ron and I have often talked about how diverse you, our family and friends are. You come from all walks of life, you come from all income levels, you come from your own unique experiences. What you share in common is your love and support of Ron since he embarked on his journey of living and coping with cancer. Also, your love and encouragement for me. We receive phone calls, we receive emails, we receive visitors and we are invited into your home - all are most welcome and all are crucial for our mental and emotional well being. I want to share with you, some of our experiences.
You have all heard of our generous friends, Bill, Leanne and Gracie. Their home is our home away from home in the Comox Valley. And... they dared to travel with us knowing that the unexpected could happen and knowing that we would all just deal with it.
Ron's workmates, just today, filled our hearts with an abundance of love and compassion as they swarmed Ron in the hallway. It brought us both to tears. And Cheryl, your offer for you and Ted to help me with anything with the boat anytime is greatly appreciated. I am truly hoping that we can take Ron out for a sail when the weather warms. I can also learn a thing or two from Ted.
Penny and Ken, your emails are timely and your words eloquent. Penny, your visual I want to share with the readers. Penny writes that Ron and I are like a pebble dropped into a pond. The ripples that spread out from it are the family and friends encircling us. That is exactly how we have felts since day one - August 19. We have felt embraced, warmed, hopeful, loved, energized and much more because of those of you caring to stay close to us while we take one step at a time.
MG keep your little emails coming. Your snippets of kindness are as significant as a one time expression.
For the remainder of our friends and family, many of you have been noted in previous insertions If not, I have not doubt you will be noted in the future for a memorable act of kindness. Your kind gestures are in no way any less appreciated than those revealed above. Our hearts, even through difficult times are filled with joy because of you!
You have all heard of our generous friends, Bill, Leanne and Gracie. Their home is our home away from home in the Comox Valley. And... they dared to travel with us knowing that the unexpected could happen and knowing that we would all just deal with it.
Ron's workmates, just today, filled our hearts with an abundance of love and compassion as they swarmed Ron in the hallway. It brought us both to tears. And Cheryl, your offer for you and Ted to help me with anything with the boat anytime is greatly appreciated. I am truly hoping that we can take Ron out for a sail when the weather warms. I can also learn a thing or two from Ted.
Penny and Ken, your emails are timely and your words eloquent. Penny, your visual I want to share with the readers. Penny writes that Ron and I are like a pebble dropped into a pond. The ripples that spread out from it are the family and friends encircling us. That is exactly how we have felts since day one - August 19. We have felt embraced, warmed, hopeful, loved, energized and much more because of those of you caring to stay close to us while we take one step at a time.
MG keep your little emails coming. Your snippets of kindness are as significant as a one time expression.
For the remainder of our friends and family, many of you have been noted in previous insertions If not, I have not doubt you will be noted in the future for a memorable act of kindness. Your kind gestures are in no way any less appreciated than those revealed above. Our hearts, even through difficult times are filled with joy because of you!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Epiphany
I was dragging my feet for fear of pain – emotional pain from writing about our recent news. You see, the day after getting home from Disney World, Ron had an appointment with the Radiation Oncologist. This visit did not result in good news. We found out that the cancer is spreading, again, faster than we ever expected. It is now affecting the heart and the diaphragm. At the rate of growth, the doctor suggested that Ron could be in hospice care within two months. Wow... there is a time line for you – two months, eight weeks, sixty days, one thousand four hundred forty hours. Of this time we are told that there will be ever changing symptoms as his physical health deteriorates.
It is pointless for me to drone on about how shell shocked we were at this new development. It is also pointless for me to go into details about the implications of involving the heart. I also choose not to lay out the details because it is too emotionally painful.
Today we were, once again, at the doctor’s office. She has sent Ron for blood work to reveal whether or not there are implications of cancer on the liver. Also, it is suspected that the lymph nodes are involved. Pain medications have been increased.
As I was walking away from the boat today I had an epiphany. Once Ron declares that he needs hospice it will be the last time he will be on the boat – our home, our dream. When we hold hands, I will not know if this the last time that he will give my hand a little squeeze. When we hug, I will not know if it will be the last big hug that leaves me feeling loved. When we kiss, I will not know if it will be our last kiss that seals our love.
We have decided that we need to process this information, dig deep and find strength to march on as we always do when times are tough. My new fear is that I am not the woman of strength I believed to be. Ron is handling this with great dignity. Husband, I am so proud of you!
Ron, the first time you held my hand I felt loved and complete. Know and trust that I will hold your hand as we endure this journey that will take you to your own destination. I love you so much.
It is pointless for me to drone on about how shell shocked we were at this new development. It is also pointless for me to go into details about the implications of involving the heart. I also choose not to lay out the details because it is too emotionally painful.
Today we were, once again, at the doctor’s office. She has sent Ron for blood work to reveal whether or not there are implications of cancer on the liver. Also, it is suspected that the lymph nodes are involved. Pain medications have been increased.
As I was walking away from the boat today I had an epiphany. Once Ron declares that he needs hospice it will be the last time he will be on the boat – our home, our dream. When we hold hands, I will not know if this the last time that he will give my hand a little squeeze. When we hug, I will not know if it will be the last big hug that leaves me feeling loved. When we kiss, I will not know if it will be our last kiss that seals our love.
We have decided that we need to process this information, dig deep and find strength to march on as we always do when times are tough. My new fear is that I am not the woman of strength I believed to be. Ron is handling this with great dignity. Husband, I am so proud of you!
Ron, the first time you held my hand I felt loved and complete. Know and trust that I will hold your hand as we endure this journey that will take you to your own destination. I love you so much.
Catch Up On Disney World
These are my excuses for not updating the blog: technical difficulties while in Orlando, I am not well and suffering from bronchitis, and quite honestly, procrastination. Why the procrastination you might ask. That doesn’t match Janice’s style. Before I answer let me catch you up on Disney World – The Happiest Place On Earth and Where Dreams Come True.
To summarize, Disney World is made up of four theme parks and Universal is made up of two theme parks. We managed to do all but one of the Universal parks. Ron had the greatest time. All this came with challenges. You know that we used wheel chairs and a scooter for Ron’s ease of mobility. What you do not know is that he suffered from inevitable swelling of the feet, ankles, knees. One arm, also caused us some concern. We were not expecting this symptom. He also suffered from a shortness of breath for longer periods of time. It became such concern for Ron that he considered coming home early. I told him to just say the word and I would be on the telephone to make the arrangements. Ron felt confident to go one more night before making the decision. I think Ron’s determination to fulfil his dream of visiting Disney World helped him through the last week. He knew that if he bailed, he would never be back. Ron’s energy improved and we soldiered onwards.
So here is a description of our gang in Disney World; two women PMSing, a three year old, a man with one functioning lung and a man who is glued to his blackberry. We had the best time.
Ron says that when you ride the extreme coasters you need one lung for breathing and one for screaming. I screamed while he breathed!
Ron’s highlights of the trip: spending time with me, Bill, Leanne and Gracie, seeing Disney World through the eyes of a three year old, Harry Potter, Epcot Centre, Animal Kingdom, the size of the theme parks and the understanding and tenderness of our friends.
Thank you to Len R and Len B for driving us to and from the airport. It is not that I was too cheap to pay the parking fees, I just didn’t want to leave the new Volvo there.
To summarize, Disney World is made up of four theme parks and Universal is made up of two theme parks. We managed to do all but one of the Universal parks. Ron had the greatest time. All this came with challenges. You know that we used wheel chairs and a scooter for Ron’s ease of mobility. What you do not know is that he suffered from inevitable swelling of the feet, ankles, knees. One arm, also caused us some concern. We were not expecting this symptom. He also suffered from a shortness of breath for longer periods of time. It became such concern for Ron that he considered coming home early. I told him to just say the word and I would be on the telephone to make the arrangements. Ron felt confident to go one more night before making the decision. I think Ron’s determination to fulfil his dream of visiting Disney World helped him through the last week. He knew that if he bailed, he would never be back. Ron’s energy improved and we soldiered onwards.
So here is a description of our gang in Disney World; two women PMSing, a three year old, a man with one functioning lung and a man who is glued to his blackberry. We had the best time.
Ron says that when you ride the extreme coasters you need one lung for breathing and one for screaming. I screamed while he breathed!
Ron’s highlights of the trip: spending time with me, Bill, Leanne and Gracie, seeing Disney World through the eyes of a three year old, Harry Potter, Epcot Centre, Animal Kingdom, the size of the theme parks and the understanding and tenderness of our friends.
Thank you to Len R and Len B for driving us to and from the airport. It is not that I was too cheap to pay the parking fees, I just didn’t want to leave the new Volvo there.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Scoot Harris aka Ron
Ron has been having a blast on the scooter. I do believe in an earlier post I mentioned it is the best thing we have done for this trip - renting an electric scooter.
We started out thinking we would get a wheelchair. Julie at my work suggested an electric scooter for two reasons: one, none of us are in shape for pushing Ron in a wheelchair for hours around the theme parks and Ron is in no shape to wheel himself. Two, it gives Ron some independence to go browsing on his own with needing one of us to accompany him.
The scooter was delivered to our hotel, the Hilton. They have a bus shuttle which we used daily while patrons of the hotel. The first day of Ron on the scooter and using the bus was hilarious. The bus came. As Leanne, Bill, Gracie and I stood back on the sidewalk, Ron backed the scooter on the ramp and the driver activated the lift. Once at bus level, Ron drove and parked the scooter in position in the seating area. The driver was going to strap and anchor Ron in. Ron stood up and said "Look! It's a miracle, I can walk!". The bus driver, a tall black man, did a Scooby Doo arghhhhh and we all burst out laughing. We couldn't stop... the timing was impeccable.
I also mentioned that Ron has run over my foot, his own foot, rammed Gracie in her stroller and also rammed the entrance gate to Disney World. He has also gotten to be a pro on the tight corners as well as maneuvering the crowds. The people themselves are a mixed bag of being very polite to people on scooters to being extremely impolite. Ron is dealing with it in stride but does have a new appreciation for people with disabilities.
The scooter has been fun for Gracie. She periodically hops aboard and goes for a spin with "Poppa Ron". It is fun for both of them - she lights up his face with her hugs and attention, Gracie gets a ride and a rest.
We are thinking of the logistics of owning a scooter while on the boat. Storage may be a challenge but it is a thing of beauty for Ron for getting around. He can scoot and I can run beside him. We will have to look at the price, models and if there are used ones. Just a thought for now.
We started out thinking we would get a wheelchair. Julie at my work suggested an electric scooter for two reasons: one, none of us are in shape for pushing Ron in a wheelchair for hours around the theme parks and Ron is in no shape to wheel himself. Two, it gives Ron some independence to go browsing on his own with needing one of us to accompany him.
The scooter was delivered to our hotel, the Hilton. They have a bus shuttle which we used daily while patrons of the hotel. The first day of Ron on the scooter and using the bus was hilarious. The bus came. As Leanne, Bill, Gracie and I stood back on the sidewalk, Ron backed the scooter on the ramp and the driver activated the lift. Once at bus level, Ron drove and parked the scooter in position in the seating area. The driver was going to strap and anchor Ron in. Ron stood up and said "Look! It's a miracle, I can walk!". The bus driver, a tall black man, did a Scooby Doo arghhhhh and we all burst out laughing. We couldn't stop... the timing was impeccable.
I also mentioned that Ron has run over my foot, his own foot, rammed Gracie in her stroller and also rammed the entrance gate to Disney World. He has also gotten to be a pro on the tight corners as well as maneuvering the crowds. The people themselves are a mixed bag of being very polite to people on scooters to being extremely impolite. Ron is dealing with it in stride but does have a new appreciation for people with disabilities.
The scooter has been fun for Gracie. She periodically hops aboard and goes for a spin with "Poppa Ron". It is fun for both of them - she lights up his face with her hugs and attention, Gracie gets a ride and a rest.
We are thinking of the logistics of owning a scooter while on the boat. Storage may be a challenge but it is a thing of beauty for Ron for getting around. He can scoot and I can run beside him. We will have to look at the price, models and if there are used ones. Just a thought for now.
And For Everything Else There Is Mastercard... Or Not
We just cannot go anywhere without incident. Just go give you an example, five years ago Bill and Leanne joined us in Disneyland. The guys made secret arrangements. Somehow the communications got crossed. Bill and Leanne were missing in action for an hour or more. Bill had our cell number which was at home. Ron had Bill's home number which is in Kirkland so we had no way to connect except through positive thinking. Ron had to spill the beans that Bill and Leanne were in Disneyland and were supposed to meet us. Finally, we saw some Mickey hands coming our way... Bill and Leanne were attached to these overstuffed white Mickey hands.
We were in Hawaii with Bill and Leanne. Ron and I decided to renew our wedding vows. We had fleeting thought of it prior to leaving Canada but had not seriously made any arrangements. Being who we are, we decided to 'throw' something together. I found matching Hawaiian wedding bands at a jeweler - likened to People's in Canada. We found matching clothes; a dress for me, a shirt and white shorts for Ron. Did I mention there was a third couple, Nigel and Tammy. We met them for the first time on this trip however they are friends of Bills. Two nights before the renewal of our vows I excitedly pulled out all the wedding purchases to show Tammy. I had left said purchases downstairs in our rented house. Sometime after me and Ron heading to bed early (I was suffering from a cold) my bag of goodies was mistakenly thrown into the trash. We did not discover the missing purchases until late morning - after which the trash was taken to the end of the drive and scooped up by the trash collectors. We went to the main trash collection area on Kuai and realized it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Just think of Heartland dump in Victoria... We worked through the shock, purchased another set of rings - and I got a deal because this time at this store the lady was from Vancouver - purchased another set of clothes and proceeded with vow renewal as planned. But wait, did I tell you the local Minister had a crisis at home and showed up an hour late for our sunrise ceremony. All ended well as we renewed our vows with our own Hawaiian version of our words.
Now the Disney World story... I lost my Mastercard. We stopped at Walgreens to get Ron a heat pack. I (per usual) needed to find the ladies room before I busted a bladder. I had my little card wallet and placed it on the back of the toilet. Thinking of Ron standing in line, I quickly washed up and headed out of the loo. We hopped into the van and proceeded to the grocery store. At this time I had some words not to cool for a three year old. I had left my card wallet in the ladies room. We bolted back to Walgreens to no avail. No wallet which means no Mastercard, no driver's license, no condo key, no Disney World pass. Bill and I checked each till station in the store. I checked the ladies trash and yes even the feminine disposal. Leanne checked the trash outside. No luck. All this happened in ten of the longest minutes of my life. Ron had his card so I phoned to report my card stolen. I was told I would be sent an emergency card in twenty-four to forty-eight hours. #$%^ is all I can say but what the heck, things can always be worse. A couple Coronas softened the blow.
Next day, that being today, we were heading out and it was a miracle... my wallet appeared in my backpack. Holy Cow... how silly of me. I guess it was the 1.5 Coronas I had prior to going to Walgreens... I must have gotten a buzz and couldn't see straight. I phoned Mastercard but they cannot, would not reactivate my card as I had reported it stolen. I must wait for the replacement to arrive at our condo. Ahhhhh, life is grand when there are adventures! For Disney World there is Mastercard... for adventures with Ron and Janice - PRICELESS!
We were in Hawaii with Bill and Leanne. Ron and I decided to renew our wedding vows. We had fleeting thought of it prior to leaving Canada but had not seriously made any arrangements. Being who we are, we decided to 'throw' something together. I found matching Hawaiian wedding bands at a jeweler - likened to People's in Canada. We found matching clothes; a dress for me, a shirt and white shorts for Ron. Did I mention there was a third couple, Nigel and Tammy. We met them for the first time on this trip however they are friends of Bills. Two nights before the renewal of our vows I excitedly pulled out all the wedding purchases to show Tammy. I had left said purchases downstairs in our rented house. Sometime after me and Ron heading to bed early (I was suffering from a cold) my bag of goodies was mistakenly thrown into the trash. We did not discover the missing purchases until late morning - after which the trash was taken to the end of the drive and scooped up by the trash collectors. We went to the main trash collection area on Kuai and realized it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Just think of Heartland dump in Victoria... We worked through the shock, purchased another set of rings - and I got a deal because this time at this store the lady was from Vancouver - purchased another set of clothes and proceeded with vow renewal as planned. But wait, did I tell you the local Minister had a crisis at home and showed up an hour late for our sunrise ceremony. All ended well as we renewed our vows with our own Hawaiian version of our words.
Now the Disney World story... I lost my Mastercard. We stopped at Walgreens to get Ron a heat pack. I (per usual) needed to find the ladies room before I busted a bladder. I had my little card wallet and placed it on the back of the toilet. Thinking of Ron standing in line, I quickly washed up and headed out of the loo. We hopped into the van and proceeded to the grocery store. At this time I had some words not to cool for a three year old. I had left my card wallet in the ladies room. We bolted back to Walgreens to no avail. No wallet which means no Mastercard, no driver's license, no condo key, no Disney World pass. Bill and I checked each till station in the store. I checked the ladies trash and yes even the feminine disposal. Leanne checked the trash outside. No luck. All this happened in ten of the longest minutes of my life. Ron had his card so I phoned to report my card stolen. I was told I would be sent an emergency card in twenty-four to forty-eight hours. #$%^ is all I can say but what the heck, things can always be worse. A couple Coronas softened the blow.
Next day, that being today, we were heading out and it was a miracle... my wallet appeared in my backpack. Holy Cow... how silly of me. I guess it was the 1.5 Coronas I had prior to going to Walgreens... I must have gotten a buzz and couldn't see straight. I phoned Mastercard but they cannot, would not reactivate my card as I had reported it stolen. I must wait for the replacement to arrive at our condo. Ahhhhh, life is grand when there are adventures! For Disney World there is Mastercard... for adventures with Ron and Janice - PRICELESS!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Happiest Place On Earth
Here we are in Orlando. As it has been some time since I have updated, I will make chronological entries and attempt to not miss anything important. We last left off where Ron and I were sitting in San Fran awaiting our flight to Orlando.
January 8
Our flight to Orlando departed a mere few minutes later. Nothing to be bothered about. What both Ron and I were surprised about is that we were travelling via Air Bus. This Air Bus did not hold many people hence the plane did not have a lot of room to move around in. Even I was getting a bit agitated at the cramped space. Ron was a trooper. The highlight of the flight was flying over Disney World at fireworks time. It was certainly a different perspective looking down at the fireworks. Try it some time.
Needless to say we were extremely tired by the tie we got to the Hilton Hotel. 11PM Florida time, 8 PM Pacific time. Keep in mind that Ron and I had been up since 3:30 AM. A long day indeed.
January 9
We connected with Bill, Leanne and Gracie. We had a pow wow (sp?) to decide what tickets to purchase. There are so many options: base ticket, park hopper 5 days, 7 days etc... Once we made the decision Bill and I made the purchase. We also marched to the nearest grocery store to purchase incidentals such as snacks, water, razors for hairy legs and the such. Then and only then it was time to hop aboard the shuttle and head to the Magic Kingdom. We were on our way.
We are now seeing Disney World through the eyes of a three year old. That would be Gracie. And we are also accomplishing and striking items from Ron's bucket list. Ron normally likes to do the wild rides but is a bit reserved. Our pace through the park is relaxed. Our excitement level is elevated. We are finally here.
Ron is becoming a pro with the scooter. We find ourselves walking in the shoes of others. How many times have you muttered under your breath about scooter drivers in crowded places. Well, now Ron is one of those drivers and he finds himself muttering at the pedestrians. In all fairness to the patrons of Disney World, I find that they are absorbed in everything around them except the people nearest them. There is so much to take in: sights - colours, shapes, displays, dancers, architect, costumes and more. Sounds - music, people talking, singing, booming of fireworks exploding, train whistles, kids crying, people laughing and more. Smells - popcorn, caramel, fireworks, hot dogs, lemonade, coffee and more.
Yes, we stayed for the fireworks and what a magnificent show it was. It is magical. It is romantic. It is breathtaking.
Ron's feet have begun to swell. It is not painful or uncomfortable for him, just annoying. We will keep our eye on this new development.
Scooter riders do have their privileges. We often do not have to wait in the lines and as often as not, we get the front of the ride car. Ron "The Benefit" Harris in Disney World.
Off to the hotel room for a night cap with our friends and to make plans for tomorrow.
January 10
It is the wee hours of the morning. Ron and I made our way back to our room about 30 minutes after midnight. I was about ready to crawl into bed and there was a knock at the door. It was Leanne. Gracie was throwing up all over the place. Leanne, it turns out, throws up when other people do. We rendered her useless. She sat up with Ron and I ran over to their room to lend a hand to Bill. My version of lending a hand was to take Gracie and cuddle her while Bill cleaned up the vomit covered sheets. Yes, tending Gracie also meant rushing her to the toilet to throw up some more and some more and some more. Finally, about 3 AM Leanne came back to the room and I returned to our room. It was a long night for all of us. In the morning, all the adults were tired and Gracie appeared to be back to normal.
Today we visit Epcot. While Epcot was enjoyable it was not y favourite. I found the country displays glorified shopping areas. I mostly enjoyed the Living Sea display and the Nemo ride. What grown adult would not enjoy climbing into a big clam shell following Nemo's story. Ron and I also waited (and it was worth the wait) to see Soaring. It is a type of hang glider ride. I will say no more for you will have to see for your self.
Ron's feet once again swelled. First order of business was to get those feet up and reduce the swelling. It appears to be working. Ron says he is fine and not to worry.
January 11
Today is Animal Kingdom day. Both Leanne and I found this park to be more relaxing than Epcot and Magic Kingdom. For me it was the greenery, live animals and the music. We strolled the different countries, went on safari and watched Nemo the musical. Ron, Bill and I went on the Mt Everest ride. I was a little concerned about Ron, his breathing and well you know... it is a very exhilarating ride. What can I say. As we went down the first dip of this coaster ride I asked Ron how he was doing. He said fine... he had one lung to breath but no other lung for screaming. I did all the screaming. At one point of this ride we were roller coasting backwards. Strange feeling, indeed.
Nemo the musical was very entertaining. I highly recommend it.
As the Animal Kingdom closed early we headed back to Magic Kingdom for Ron and Bill to ride Space Mountain. Leanne, Gracie and I went to Buzz Lightyear. My shooting score was so high I was categorized as a 'Space Ace". 449,000 points. I think I got lucky. Gracie liked the ride so much we went three times. As luck would have it, we also took in the fireworks again.
Ron had a great day and we have had a lot of laughs; mostly at Ron on the scooter. Since we have arrived he has run over my foot, he has run over his own foot, he rammed Gracie in the stroller, and he rammed the Magic Kingdom entrance gate. Not bad for the first three days.
January 12
Today we moved out of the Hilton to a rented condo in Kissimme. We have this unit for the duration of our trip. Bill picked up a mini van. This will transport the five of us and the scooter.
The condo is the greatest. We have two master suites with their own ensuites, a huge kitchen and a beautiful view. We can see Disney and Epcot fireworks in the evening. Today was also a down day from any of the parks. Leanne, Bill and I headed out to Target to stock the fridge with our own food. Ron stayed behind and rested. We all had a relaxing day and it did us all some good.
Ron's feet are still swelling. I have now put in a call to our doctor. Since she is not working today, we will hear from her or her assistant tomorrow. I have asked if Ron would benefit from compression stocking. They may help with the swelling. We shall see.
January 8
Our flight to Orlando departed a mere few minutes later. Nothing to be bothered about. What both Ron and I were surprised about is that we were travelling via Air Bus. This Air Bus did not hold many people hence the plane did not have a lot of room to move around in. Even I was getting a bit agitated at the cramped space. Ron was a trooper. The highlight of the flight was flying over Disney World at fireworks time. It was certainly a different perspective looking down at the fireworks. Try it some time.
Needless to say we were extremely tired by the tie we got to the Hilton Hotel. 11PM Florida time, 8 PM Pacific time. Keep in mind that Ron and I had been up since 3:30 AM. A long day indeed.
January 9
We connected with Bill, Leanne and Gracie. We had a pow wow (sp?) to decide what tickets to purchase. There are so many options: base ticket, park hopper 5 days, 7 days etc... Once we made the decision Bill and I made the purchase. We also marched to the nearest grocery store to purchase incidentals such as snacks, water, razors for hairy legs and the such. Then and only then it was time to hop aboard the shuttle and head to the Magic Kingdom. We were on our way.
We are now seeing Disney World through the eyes of a three year old. That would be Gracie. And we are also accomplishing and striking items from Ron's bucket list. Ron normally likes to do the wild rides but is a bit reserved. Our pace through the park is relaxed. Our excitement level is elevated. We are finally here.
Ron is becoming a pro with the scooter. We find ourselves walking in the shoes of others. How many times have you muttered under your breath about scooter drivers in crowded places. Well, now Ron is one of those drivers and he finds himself muttering at the pedestrians. In all fairness to the patrons of Disney World, I find that they are absorbed in everything around them except the people nearest them. There is so much to take in: sights - colours, shapes, displays, dancers, architect, costumes and more. Sounds - music, people talking, singing, booming of fireworks exploding, train whistles, kids crying, people laughing and more. Smells - popcorn, caramel, fireworks, hot dogs, lemonade, coffee and more.
Yes, we stayed for the fireworks and what a magnificent show it was. It is magical. It is romantic. It is breathtaking.
Ron's feet have begun to swell. It is not painful or uncomfortable for him, just annoying. We will keep our eye on this new development.
Scooter riders do have their privileges. We often do not have to wait in the lines and as often as not, we get the front of the ride car. Ron "The Benefit" Harris in Disney World.
Off to the hotel room for a night cap with our friends and to make plans for tomorrow.
January 10
It is the wee hours of the morning. Ron and I made our way back to our room about 30 minutes after midnight. I was about ready to crawl into bed and there was a knock at the door. It was Leanne. Gracie was throwing up all over the place. Leanne, it turns out, throws up when other people do. We rendered her useless. She sat up with Ron and I ran over to their room to lend a hand to Bill. My version of lending a hand was to take Gracie and cuddle her while Bill cleaned up the vomit covered sheets. Yes, tending Gracie also meant rushing her to the toilet to throw up some more and some more and some more. Finally, about 3 AM Leanne came back to the room and I returned to our room. It was a long night for all of us. In the morning, all the adults were tired and Gracie appeared to be back to normal.
Today we visit Epcot. While Epcot was enjoyable it was not y favourite. I found the country displays glorified shopping areas. I mostly enjoyed the Living Sea display and the Nemo ride. What grown adult would not enjoy climbing into a big clam shell following Nemo's story. Ron and I also waited (and it was worth the wait) to see Soaring. It is a type of hang glider ride. I will say no more for you will have to see for your self.
Ron's feet once again swelled. First order of business was to get those feet up and reduce the swelling. It appears to be working. Ron says he is fine and not to worry.
January 11
Today is Animal Kingdom day. Both Leanne and I found this park to be more relaxing than Epcot and Magic Kingdom. For me it was the greenery, live animals and the music. We strolled the different countries, went on safari and watched Nemo the musical. Ron, Bill and I went on the Mt Everest ride. I was a little concerned about Ron, his breathing and well you know... it is a very exhilarating ride. What can I say. As we went down the first dip of this coaster ride I asked Ron how he was doing. He said fine... he had one lung to breath but no other lung for screaming. I did all the screaming. At one point of this ride we were roller coasting backwards. Strange feeling, indeed.
Nemo the musical was very entertaining. I highly recommend it.
As the Animal Kingdom closed early we headed back to Magic Kingdom for Ron and Bill to ride Space Mountain. Leanne, Gracie and I went to Buzz Lightyear. My shooting score was so high I was categorized as a 'Space Ace". 449,000 points. I think I got lucky. Gracie liked the ride so much we went three times. As luck would have it, we also took in the fireworks again.
Ron had a great day and we have had a lot of laughs; mostly at Ron on the scooter. Since we have arrived he has run over my foot, he has run over his own foot, he rammed Gracie in the stroller, and he rammed the Magic Kingdom entrance gate. Not bad for the first three days.
January 12
Today we moved out of the Hilton to a rented condo in Kissimme. We have this unit for the duration of our trip. Bill picked up a mini van. This will transport the five of us and the scooter.
The condo is the greatest. We have two master suites with their own ensuites, a huge kitchen and a beautiful view. We can see Disney and Epcot fireworks in the evening. Today was also a down day from any of the parks. Leanne, Bill and I headed out to Target to stock the fridge with our own food. Ron stayed behind and rested. We all had a relaxing day and it did us all some good.
Ron's feet are still swelling. I have now put in a call to our doctor. Since she is not working today, we will hear from her or her assistant tomorrow. I have asked if Ron would benefit from compression stocking. They may help with the swelling. We shall see.
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