Life Happens – Unexpected Changes – What Now?

My apologies for this abbreviated post. My planned post was in production when life happened. I will post it, though, sometime in May. Meanwhile, how do we chronically ill people adapt our plans when they change unexpectedly?

When problems of life intervened in my plans, I realized we will be leaving next week for two weeks of fun/sadness. A mini-vacation.

We get to travel to the west side of my state (Washington state, US), a seven-hour trip, to see our son and his family. In addition, our plans include seeing all three of my brothers.

So, what happens when life derails your plans? How do you pivot to new plans?

In my case, streamlining my post for this week. Then, I MUST begin the packing process soon, which takes me about a week. I also realized a regular post two weeks from now would be too much. Therefore, I will let you know how my vacation went, complete with pictures.

What is happening and how I must plan

The happenings

1. See our son’s new house.
   1. He bought it since we saw him at Thanksgiving.
   2. We are excited to be able to stay there.
   3. We will use his house as our home base from which we travel to the various celebrations.
2. Honor my youngest brother, John, as we enjoy a celebration for finishing his college degree.
3. Celebrate the life of John’s wife, Lynn, who is dancing with Jesus now.
4. Visit with my brother Dave whose wife, Evelyn, also passed away last fall.
5. Spend time with my oldest brother, Jimmy, and his wife, Joy, who are coming out from New York for these celebrations.
6. Enjoy a family reunion several days later and see several nieces and nephews, some of whom we haven’t seen in years.

Whew! A lot to do in a fleeting time!

Planning, a practical challenge

When we were young, traveling to see relatives meant throwing clothes and toiletries in a couple of suitcases, getting in the car, and driving away. Now, it’s not so easy.

So, what do I do?

• Make reservations
• Evaluate what we will need for two weeks, including two days at a motel.
  • Consider
    • Medications
    • Medical equipment
    • Clothing
    • Electronic devices
    • Scooter
• Make lists, as it involves too much to remember.
• Assess what needs to be packed when.
• Start packing, trying to keep on track.
• Write Hodgepodge post for next week.
• Enjoy the trip.
  • Take pictures for the following week’s post while we are on vacation.

Bye for now.

Look forward to our fun week next Friday with Hodgepodge. Hint: lots of new quotes.

Check out this article for more ideas about chronically ill people dealing with adapting plans because of unexpected changes.