November 4, The Journey Begins

Puebla, Mexico 

From our hotel window

We were up early today even though our plane was not leaving until 10:50.  I knew that loading the car with our bags, carry-on, walker and Stryder's beds, 50 pounds of dog food, dishes, treats, blanket and food that I did not want to spoil to give to my sister Kate, Angie and family would be plenty for one morning.

Unfortunately the day did not start easily for Doug.  Getting dressed is a big job for him and tires him.  I think the excitement of leaving with the hope of stopping the MS Monster and concern over the treatment even made him weaker.  He fell while trying to feed Stryder.  It took us over 30 minutes to get him up.  Dang, the ugliness of MS reared it's ugly head just when we are headed out with hope in our hearts.  I guess this is where the part of being on a Camino comes in. It is indeed a pilgrimage. Times like this call us more than ever to have faith and courage and push us to just keep taking the next step.  In this case taking a physical step is very appropriate.  Times like this we are always forced to look at the sides of ourselves that are inpatient and frustrated.  Peace is hard to find when the clock is ticking. More spritiual work to do here.

We left the house 30 minutes later than expected.  We had to drop off Stryder with all his stuff at Kate's and drive to Angie and Tom's.  Angie took us to the airport.  We got to the airport at just under an hour before the flight.  This is usually not a good idea when we are traveling in a wheelchair. Everything takes longer.  Security was not too long and we hurried to the gate just in time to load on the plane. Whew!  One link of the journey made.  Just before take-off we get a text saying the plane in San Francisco is delayed.  Oh no, we only have 45 minutes in Houston between flights.

Reaching San Francisco, Doug's electric wheelchair is waiting and we rush to the plane in the next terminal.  Good news, we have an hour, bad news it will effect our making the Puebla flight.  We have not eaten anything and so we stop for lunch and are pretty sure it will be the only meal we eat today. Getting on the flight and talking to to the airline representative we decide to check Doug's wheelchair all the way through because we are afraid we won't make it to the next plane  in Houston if we have to get to the next plane by ourselves and wait for his chair to be brought to the plan.

On the plane we sit with a man from Mexico City traveling home from  a month in China.  We enjoyed our conversation and learned more about Puebla from him.  His mother was from Puebla.  He gave us his number if we need anything.

Landing in Houston was crazy. We had 20 minutes and had to get to the next terminal.  The flight attendant let us off first.  A wheelchair was waiting with attendant.  She rushed us to a person driving a cart.  She rushed us to the train. A new attendant had a wheelchair, he took us on the train and rushed us to the gate. I am rushing with them, carrying the carryone, with laptop, medicines, etc. and Doug's walker.  By the time we get there I am breathless and we all breath a sigh of relief.  The plane was still there and we are the last on. They waited for us! 

Upon landing in Puebla, we have help at the gate.  We go to get baggage and there is not a chair.  Coming out of customs our driver is waiting for us and takes our luggage.  We go to the airline offices and try to figure out what to do about the wheelchair.  We learn it is still in Houston and can't be delivered to us until tomorrow night around 9.  Yikes, now what?

We return to the driver and he tells us the hotel has a chair we can use.   It is about a 45 minute drive to the Hotel.  Our driver spent 8 years living in New York. He is very fluent in English which is very helpful.  Checking in a young man comes to help with baggage and check-in.  His name is Francisco. We learn he grew up in the States.  He lived there 17 years and has only been back a couple years.  He must be in his early 20's.  He is happy to talk to us and help us.  After getting to our room we realize we don't have our carry-on.  Francisco takes me to check the video security to see if we brought it in.  Sure enough, it is not there.  Luckily no one took it, but that means it is in the van and it has all Doug's medication.  Through a number of channels we get through to the driver.  Luckily he has not left for home which is 25 miles a way and will bring it by the hotel.  By now it is close to midnight.

I am tired.  My brain is tired.  Trying to take care of and negotiate all our needs all day and communicating with Spanish speakers makes my brain rummy.  Trying to figure out the peso and tipping at the end of the day is pushing my limits.  I could not wait to go to bed.  

Taking a look out the window, seeing the city, thinking of all the people that helped us today, leaves me thankful to be able to lay down and sleep.  We are here.

Holy One, thank you for bringing us safely to Pueblo.  Thank you for the angels along the way: Kate taking Stryder, Angie getting us to the airport and helping with luggage, catching all our flights, the airline staff, and Francisco and Lorenzo, beautiful people. Amen