I have a bit of experience traveling with people of all ages (except for babies and toddlers) and I can tell you now, it is hard, yet very rewarding. I wouldn't change a thing.
My husband Ron, was diagnosed with ALS in 2014. He passed away in 2020, so he had six years of declining health. Did we stay home until he dies? No way. We made many trips to Colorado and Phoenix, in and out of cars, airports, restaurants. A road trip in a wheel chair is challenging. Airports are easier than you might expect, since assistance is always available. In the last two years of his life we took two cruises. He was in a wheel chair full time at this point, and although it wasn't easy, I'm so glad we did it. We got a handicapped room on the cruise, bigger and safer than a regular room, which helped a lot. We also had staff from the ship come wheel him to breakfast, theatre or poker. That gave me a break. As hard as those six years were, the fact that we kept on traveling, kept me going. Now that I'm recalling it all, I have a smile on my face. Travel was one of the bright spots in those six years.
I often talk to people who say, "I don't want to travel anymore. It's just too much work." Yes, it is a lot of work, but the rewards far outweigh the inconvenience for me. I like to try difficult things (not dangerous) to challenge myself. On my last trip I hiked up to 9,000 feet to see butterflies. Definitely challenging. I also rode a horse and an ATV. I felt so good after doing these things.
If you're curious, as I am, travel has to be in your life. Maybe it's just a three day trip up to San Luis Obispo, Hearst Castel, Cambria and Morro Bay with a few friends. That's what a group of us will be doing soon. We love traveling together, and we always seem to find exciting places to visit that are close to home.
Many of the best things we do in life are hard, but they are the best because they bring us great satisfaction and joy. To me, travel is one of these things, often hard as we age, but oh, so rewarding.
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