"I'm not going to let this run my life. I'm in charge." These words became my mantra 6 years ago when I was diagnosed with PLS. Could I have cowered under my covers? Could I have given up? Could I have quietly waited for my disease to take control? Yes, but… "I'm not going to let this run my life. I'm in charge." So, with those words on my lips, I set out to take control and continue as though nothing changed. I could not do it without my family though. My wife and two kids give me that extra push every day.

I needed to expedite my travel wish list, so I set about planning. I knew France and Africa were at the top. Because I knew mobility would be an issue, being in a wheelchair, it took a lot of planning. Renting bungalows, contacting the airlines about my needs, and recognizing that there may be certain areas I just couldn't get to. So, with a little work and the extraordinaire help of my wife, Sandra, and my two kids, Sam, and Fiona, it was a success. My kids even fought over who got to push my wheelchair which was funny.

In 2019, just before the lockdown, we packed our bags and headed to France. We spent 2 weeks driving around France, seeing the sites, and drinking the wine. It was hard in a wheelchair but well worth it. The memories I was able to create for my family are immeasurable. Navigating France in a wheelchair was bumpy with all the cobblestones it was still very doable.

Then, once the lockdown lifted, we started planning our trip to Africa and this past Christmas we took off. We spent a week in Zanzibar and 10 days on a Safari in Tanzania. I was lucky in that every morning our guide would pick me up and put me in our jeep so we could head out every day. Once again, it was hard but the memories we created for me, and my family were worth it.

Our plans for our next trip to Italy are about to start in 2024.