I have done a lot of contemplating about my trip since I had to cancel for the third time. I was mad, sad, frustrated, but now relieved. I believe things have happened to me or for me for specific reasons. This trip is no different. I was very upset when I had to turn around in Nashville, but it turned out that was perfect timing. Just two weeks later, I tested positive for CMV again. I was able to see my doctors immediately and start taking medications to stop it in it’s tracks. I need this pause, too.
When I came up with the idea, I worked quickly to get going and didn’t plan as well as I should have. I was finally feeling healthy after a tough 6 years, especially tough year, so I wanted to use that health as fast as I could. I didn’t know when I’d get sick again! That was my biggest reason for being quick and unorganized. I’ve been waiting for the next time I’d get sick. It was inevitable. I just knew I’d get too sick to finish. My health has been failing more than it’s been going up.
I found drivers, I raised money and I had a plan. I also thought that it would be easy to get more money and support on the road. I’ve had four transplants and I’m scooting across the country. It was obvious to me that people would jump right on board.
Not quite that easy! First, it wasn’t very believable. I knew I could do it (kind of), but it is quite the story if you really look at it! Second, I was asking for help with zero planning time. Trikaroo and Icelandic Glacial both jumped in immediately to help me, so I figured it would be that way the entire trip. I need to give future sponsors time to look into how they can help and what they can do. Third, I know I’m asking A LOT of my drivers, so that needs to be handled with more time and ease, as well.
I have always looked at the positives at even the worst parts of my life. When I was on dialysis for most of 1999, I figured it was good that I didn’t need to pee at all. I wouldn’t have to get up during movies or the middle of the night! The positive for the trip is all of the lessons I learned in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. More planning. Don’t scoot alone on dirt roads. Always have a follow car.
Because of this stop, I am redoing the entire Scooting4Donors scoot. I originally planned to cross the country on my scooter. I will be doing that. In one trip. No more stages. No more extended stops. I will be scooting straight from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. My trip across Florida, Georgia and Tennessee was a practice run! I now know I can do it. I’ve done 1,515 miles!
With the extra planning time, I can find the sponsors and drivers for the 4 1/2 month journey. I can now try and get a video crew and attempt to make a movie about my life and journey. I will plan better. I will scoot better. I will register more donors! The 47 days I was scooting was the healthiest I’d felt in years. I felt healthy again after my last transplant, but CMV cut that off quickly. Now scooting, got me out and about, moving around and most importantly a purpose. I was invigorated. I will continue to do so.
I noticed a strange occurrence when looking into preliminary planning for next years trip. The number 4. In February I will celebrate my 4th kidneyversary for my 4th transplant. Near the end of my trip in June, I will be turning 44 years old. 2020 = 4! It may seem silly, but I see these occurrences as a sign. Scooting4Donors will be bigger than I even imagined. I can feel it.
