School has ended, a week of Donkey Camp is complete, and now we are off on our annual vacation; Amelia Island, Florida. This is our 4th year to Amelia Island. As the years progress it has become a little easier traveling with Kayla. We are always prepared for the unexpected meltdowns while traveling. However, the stress of traveling to Florida continues to be anxiety provoking for everyone, especially Kayla’s sister.
The amount of luggage and stuff we must bring on a trip is a bit overwhelming. Kayla packs her own carryon which includes all her baby dolls, baby doll accessories & baby doll clothes, plus books, crayons, paper, and lots of snacks. I have a bag filled with baby wipes, medications, extra shoes for her braces, and more snacks. The biggest challenge is bringing her adaptive stroller. It makes vacation a little easier if we have it available for her. However, it is awful to bring on the plane. It is massive, bulky, and just plain awkward to gate check.
Traveling on a plane requires a lot of transitions and unexpected events. This can make it a challenge for Kayla. First, we must go through security which always entails having her pulled aside and her braces being swiped. Then we must board the plane with all her necessities, get the stroller down the ramp & folded, and get her seated. If all goes well we will take off and have a smooth ride. If we are delayed I just pray she will remain calm, seated, and relaxed until we take off.
I can see why her sister becomes anxious traveling with her because you never know how it will go. Kayla can melt down when things go unexpectedly, many people stare at her braces, and when she is nervous she exhibits stimming behavior; all of which can be embarrassing for a 16-year-old teenager. I used to get embarrassed with the outburst, but now I roll with the punches that are thrown at me. However, I am 45 and her mother, I am not 16.
I try to put things in perspective and think how it would feel if I were in Kayla’s sister’s shoes. To see your sibling being told over and over what the routine is when we enter security, seeing your sister have a complete meltdown and refusing to go through the security gate which required extra TSA staff to come and assist, or seeing your sibling cry hysterically because we were stuck on the runway for 1 ½ hours. I think all those things would be awful for many people to tolerate, let alone a 16-year-old. My hope is that these situations help Kayla’s sister grow into a person who is kind, empathetic, patient and strong.