Monday, May 11, 2015

Florida Family Vacation...National Lampoon Style

Better late than never!  It's been over a month since my last post.  I hope to be much more consistent than that, but life with Fibromyalgia happens.  :)

So, since I last posted, my family and I went on vacation.  It was our first big family vacation since we had our daughter (who is 7 years old).  We had an amazing beach vacation in Florida!  Sounds wonderful and relaxing right? 

Well, anyone else who suffers from FMS/CFS (and all the many ailments that go along with) knows that traveling is not easy... actually it is usually torturous.  I was VERY blessed to be able to participate in all but one afternoon of our 9 day vacation.  But when we got home, I paid for it... for three weeks.  Still, so very happy with the trip and the memories we made. 

We drove there and back.  We had some adventures and even visited some friends along the way.  Our daughter traveled better than I could have ever imagined... and so did I.  I drove some then slept some.  It worked out quite well. 

We enjoyed some beautiful sunny weather and gorgeous beaches.  We learned a lot about the local animals and their habitats.  The trip really refreshed my soul... but plum wore my body out.

On the way home things headed down hill... first was a sore throat and cough... then came a terrible rash.  By the time we were about 3 hours from home I was miserable, and my husband was convinced I was dying from some strange sea creature disease. 

While it was no fun coming down with the yucks on the way home, I wouldn't trade the trip and the memories for anything.  I am thankful for all that I have learned on my journey with FMS/CFS.  I paced myself.  My husband and daughter took it easy too.  We ate nutritious meals and snacks, and we got plenty of sleep.  I did not approach the trip like someone who does not have a debilitating disease.  I tried to be realistic of my limitations, and in turn I was able to enjoy vacation.  Being sick for three weeks after is just normal life for me.  A life I wouldn't change much about (except for the life altering illness part).

Now, we are heading in to summer, and I am again planning summer fun with my limitations in mind.  My family is learning to go along for the ride as well.  This is just the journey we are on.

The priest answered them, "Go in peace.  Your journey has the Lord's approval."  -Judges 18:6

3 comments:

  1. I agree with Steph here, indeed a lot of wisdom here. Helps me in my situation with CFS.

    I am very happy that you could go for this vacation and had a good time (minus the pains with CFS).

    Whether I do much activity or less, my body is fatigued and in pain, and then I sometimes say to myself, "I am in pain whether I do this or do nothing, so I might as well just go ahead and do it for the sake of some good time and good memories".

    I am proud of you :)

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  2. Will wait to read more from you when you are feeling up to it. Praying for you :)

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