I refuse to let the 'what ifs' ruin my life. I got my dx in '99 and my neurologist said I had had it for about about 5 years. In that time I had taken a week long tour of the Grand Canyon. That gave me so much comfort to know that I did it when I had MS. Would I have gone if I had know about the MS? My husband probably wouldn't have let me!!!!! But we didn't know and had a good time.

My son in law is in the Guard and was shipping out to Iraq about 4 years ago. I am the closest thing he has to a Mom and he wanted me and his wife to be with them during their 3 day leave. Now how could I say no to that. It meant me getting my butt of the couch in southern Indiana and flying all the way to Philadelphia, do a lot of sight seeing and being absolutely exhausted but pleased and proud for my daughter and son in law at the end. And yes, I crashed when I got home but it was sure well worth it.

I see the glass half full while my DH sees it half empty. So I see this time with MS as an opportunity that I might not have had. I was able to take a week to go to Lexington, Ky to be with my other daughter when both my grandaughters were born. So for the second one I was the chief caregiver of the oldest one. I was VERY glad to get home but I also was very glad that God gave me the opportunity to go. As an RN in a very busy hsopital I know I never would have been able to do that without MS.

So go eat your fried chicken and start planning your trip!!!!

Oh, forgot to add stuff. Plan, plan, plan. If you need to rent a scooter, do so. Some people rent it at the destination so they don't have to bother with it on the plane. I took along my wheel chair and my daughter pushed me but that was exhausting for her. I'm sure most airports have assistacne for you, free of charge. You can make arrangements for that ahead of time so they are waiting for you. Get up and walk around on the plane if you can. If staying at a hotel get a goood bed. Take care of your self, eat well. I'm sure some of our seasoned travelers will chime in a little more.