Session 6
We were quickly approaching the one-year anniversary of bringing our g-tube, trach-, and ventilator-dependent daughter home from the hospital. Those first few weeks, I basically never left our girl’s side. It would take months before I’d find the courage to even leave the house for grocery shopping. We were fortunate to have private-duty nursing coverage during the day, but it took time for this mommy to find that comfort level.
I had witnessed far too many times how quickly our daughter’s condition could turn critical, and fear dominated my mind. What if her trach plugged again? What if she turned blue again? I had a tremendously difficult time resuming life after we brought our daughter home. Eventually, I had to surrender the care of our daughter to our very competent nurses. We are quite fortunate to have nurses through the week with trach/vent experience, who are not only reliable but incredibly skilled. There was no logical reason for me to continue living life from the confines of our home, it was strictly fear that had debilitated me.
So this session of the travel blog is, I believe, something that other caregivers of medically fragile children can most certainly relate to. How could I find my own identity again? Being a special needs mom had consumed me! I took a big leap of faith that bitter cold February and scheduled a two-day leave of absence from reality. My sister and I hopped on a direct flight from dreary Columbus to sunny Fort Lauderdale. Just that short time away was such a refreshment for my worn body and soul.
Big shout out to my husband, who stayed home to care for our daughter in my absence so that I could have that much-needed recharge. I knew our girl was in good hands, which allowed me to enjoy some carefree moments. Now if we could only share that time together! In the seven years since we brought our girl home, my husband and I have had one night away from home together. We have adapted though, and we indulge in some occasional day dates to get out of the house for alone time.
Even if an overnight adventure isn’t in the cards for my fellow trach parents, I would encourage you to carve out some time to allow your mind to rest.
One day we would find a way to travel with our trachie so we could vacation as an entire family, but we weren’t there quite yet.
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