It's not always where you go, but who you go with

My wonderful husband and I recently went on a trip. I'm from West Texas and I have a love for that country that will always be a part of me. We had been wanting to go for a while, but just hadn't gotten around to actually doing something about it. A good couple friend of ours had some cross-country driving to do because of a new location in the military. They were headed out west before they headed north, and wanted us to go with them.

We jumped at the opportunity to have a reason to go to "God's country". We really like Stoney and Ali. We have been gradually spending more time with them which had made us realize just how likeable they really are. They are good Christian folks that are walking with the Lord. This would be our first trip with them. Now having MS, there is always a little bit of underlying stress with traveling and most especially, not wanting to be the party-pooper when it's only 10 pm and everyone is having a great time, and I need to go to bed.

This is the first time I have been on a trip with someone else who has MS. Ali has MS. She was diagnosed a couple of years before me and has been a mentor for me. Most especially on how to keep a positive attitude and go on living a regular life. She runs and bikes and works out. She is an amazing photographer and her pictures inspire me as well. (check out her Web site) We do a bit of photography with our horse business development company, so it is so fun to talk photography.

It was such a treat to be on the trip with them. No only because of the quality of folks they are, but also because they know how it is. They plan for afternoon stay-out-of-the-heat and rest time. They know that we need to get back at a decent hour. They know what the "droop" is. They know the importance of low-stress. I always worry about how everybody is gonna take my need for down time. Are they going to think I'm sick, or bored, or mad? And not only that, most people just don't really understand. They want to, but just haven't experienced it. Either they forget, or they dote on you and the fact that you have MS. What a relief to have that worry taken away!

So thanks Ali and Stoney! We loved seeing West Texas with you and just hanging out with you. These are a couple of people I would go on a trip with anytime.

Consider these things when you plan your travels. I certainly don't want to discourage your travels with "healthy" people. But this "insider information" makes a great trip even that much better!