2013 ~ A Year In Review

What a wonderful and fabulous year I've had!  I think I've done more in the last year than I have in the previous five years combined, or at least it feels that way.
I have been fortunate, for throughout all my adventures this year, I have encountered the most loving, caring, generous and patient people, than I have ever known.
I started off the year with a trip to New Orleans for the marriage of my sister +Camille Lopez to her handsome groom +Jason Pollan.  It was such a beautiful wedding and they look so happy together.  Congratulations to the lovely couple!
This trip was amazing, considering it was my first trip flying since being in the wheelchair.  I had done the research, was prepared, and knew what to expect.  I brought an extra carry on case for my foot rests and chair back, put my chair cushion on the airplane seat and, with the help of 2 (thank goodness) friendly people, was transferred into an "aisle chair" and brought to my seat.  Man!  Those are some narrow aisles!  They got me through and into my seat without a problem.  By the end of this trip I was completely familiar with the aisle chair and the procedure involved, which was a good thing because some of the "helpers" were not trained and, although friendly, were obviously doing this for the first time.
One thing I've noticed this year is that I'm not as afraid as I used to be to take risks.  I'm willing to put myself in the hands of others, and trust that all will be well.  Some may say that this is foolhardy, but I really don't see that I have much to loose.  I've taken a great fall and gotten back up, dusted myself off and have decided to keep going.  Sure, I can still get hurt, but who can say, with any confidence, that they can go through life without ever getting hurt?  I don't know if "what doesn't kill me makes me stronger," but it sure has made me realize that I only have one life to live, and hanging back and being afraid to take risks, is what will really shorten my life span!
The Summer was a whirlwind of activity with so much going on that it went by all too fast.  Porcfest was amazing!  I had my own room at Rogers campground which made me feel comfortable and safe.  All my friends were there, including the ones that I had not met yet.