Traveling is often about adventure, spontaneity, and
discovering new places—but for me, it’s a carefully planned operation. Living
with a feeding tube means my travel checklist is a bit different, but that
hasn’t stopped me from packing up and heading out. Whether visiting Amish
country in Pennsylvania or marveling at the Grand Canyon, each trip brings
challenges, plenty of laughs, and proof of God’s unwavering faithfulness.
“The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in
from this time forth, and even for evermore.” (Psalm 121:8)
The Art of Packing
When you rely on a feeding tube for nutrition, packing food
isn’t as simple as tossing snacks into a bag.
When preparing for an upcoming trip—be it a weekend getaway,
a camping adventure, or an extended two-week or month-long expedition—careful
planning is vital. For me, the first step is always gathering food and
supplies to ensure I have everything needed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
for the duration of my trip.
Because my nutrition intake is specific, I stick to a
standard daily routine, with adjustments depending on whether I’ve attended the
gym that day. After workouts, I replenish calories with protein powder, as my
goal is to maintain my weight rather than lose it. To make this happen, I
calculate exactly how many food pouches I need and ensure I pack all the
necessary items, including some unique supplies. (reading this post may help your understanding My Daily Bread - what not swallowing means)
Each month, I receive a 30-day food supply, containing 186
pouches. My meals come in nine-ounce pouches, each packed into sturdy cardboard
boxes—12 pouches per box. These pouches, combined with my supplements and other
supplies, are my lifeline. They are the foundation of my meals, and when
packing for a trip, I carefully count out the correct number to take along. In
addition to these pouches other daily food items are protein powder, Ensures,
high-protein shakes, and 8 oz. bottled waters (to thin the pouch meals for
easier flowing ability). I also include:
Styrofoam cups and paper towels: Essential for
depositing saliva (approximately 8-10 per day, due to not swallowing).
 |
| 30-day supply of Real Food Blends pouches |
Pill crusher: As I can’t swallow pills, this tool is
indispensable for crushing medications into a fine powder to mix with liquid
for easy administration through my feeding tube.
Vitamins and medications: I only take vitamins unless
I’m sick, in which case I’ll pack any additional medications, such as cough
medicine, that need to be crushed.
Saliva control patches: My only prescription item (beside my pouch food),
these patches last three days each, so I calculate how many I’ll need for the
trip and include extras just in case.
After my accident, I initially lost 20 pounds due to reduced
activity and muscle use. Regaining that weight has been a long process. Over
several years, I successfully gained back 10 pounds, but the final 10 took
significantly longer. I had to carefully plan my meals to ensure I was
consuming more calories than I burned to gradually gain the last ten back. Finding
high-calorie, nutrient-dense liquid foods that worked for me was a challenge.
Eventually, I found the right balance, and I’m thrilled to have recently
reached my goal.
For this reason I am extra conscience about my intake.
Protein: I aim for at least one gram of protein per
pound of body weight to support my recovery and strength.
Calories: Maintaining my weight requires between 2,100 and 2,500 calories per day, depending upon my gym routine. Achieving this balance hasn’t been easy, especially given the limitations of what my stomach can handle at one time. (Thirty-two ounces of liquid in one sitting is a lot).
 |
| First Go-Cart Drive, Destin, FL, 2014 |
However, the journey hasn’t been without setbacks. I used a
popular synthetic formula for years. Then suddenly I found out it was on
indefinite backorder, which forced me to adjust and adapt once again. Without
those calorie-dense liquid meals, I struggled to find adequate food from the
local grocery store, as my monthly food supply is prescription. This lack of
provisions caused me to lose 7 pounds in just 7 days. I quickly found out about
another option, Real Food Blends. I got my doctors to communicate this change
to the supply company so I could resume my prescription nutritional need transitioning
from synthetic formulas to real food blends. The switch to real food blends made a world of
difference. These meals are not only better tolerated by my stomach but also
more nutritious and closer to the way I used to eat. I’ve learned that
resilience and faith go hand in hand when dealing with these unexpected
challenges.
Packing with Precision
This process might sound detailed, but it’s second nature
for me now. By starting with food and essentials, I can ensure a smooth travel
experience, focusing on the adventure ahead rather than worrying about
nutrition or health-related challenges. With the right preparation, even
extended journeys become manageable and enjoyable.
Travel Challenges and Embracing Adaptability
God has helped this aspect of my “new” me not to hinder me
from living. Traveling with all my extra supplies—beyond normal luggage—can
sometimes bring anxiety. The sheer volume of food, equipment, and
essentials I need takes up significant space, and I always require help loading
and unloading the car at destinations. If a trip involves multiple stops, I try
to pack strategically so I don’t have to unpack everything at every stop unless
absolutely necessary. While this adds an extra layer of complexity, I’ve never
let it stop me from traveling. I’m incredibly grateful for the help extended by
others to make these trips possible. A positive note is I return home with less
baggage because I eat a lot of it!
Space in the vehicle is always at a premium, especially when
traveling with others. On a trip to Mount Rushmore, I traveled with my brother,
his family of five, and enough luggage and food for 10 days. There wasn’t
enough room for my walker or cane, but we made do.
Here’s the funny part: My mom would’ve flipped if she saw my
walker left behind while I was halfway across the country, so my brother took
it to his house and hid it. Problem solved!
Handling Rest Stops
Rest stops are an important part of any road trip. When
traveling with others, they’re a chance to stretch and toss used cups. I have
an uncanny ability to spot cup holders and trash cans! But on a solo trip I
recently took, I decided to skip traditional rest stops altogether. Instead, I
pulled off at nearby gas stations. They were often easier to navigate with
shorter walking distances, which was helpful since my walker was buried under luggage
and food. I parked close to doors, relied on my balance, and made it work.
 |
| Mount Rushmore, 2015 |
Overcoming Obstacles with God’s Strength
As I prepared this post, I pondered on the many memories
that I have from my travel experiences.
One memory that stands out is when we reached Mount
Rushmore, we discovered the wheelchair ramp was under construction. My
brother insisted I join his family in climbing the 800 steps (1,600 round trip)
to view the monument. It felt like an impossible task, but with my
sister-in-law holding my arm, walking with me each step for balance, I did it.
Slowly but surely, we climbed up and then back down. By the end, I was
sweating buckets, but the accomplishment—and the view—made it all worth it.
This experience is a testament to God’s grace. “And he
said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect
in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
That same determination to climb 800 steps at Mount Rushmore
has fueled my passion for exploring even more of God’s awe-inspiring creations.
 |
| The Grand Canyon with my Nieces, 2021 |
Looking back, I’ve traveled to more places than I ever
realized (32 states). Amish country in Pennsylvania was a peaceful and
fascinating experience, while Charleston’s Angel Oak Tree (the winding,
large branches seemed never ending) reminded me of God’s creativity and the
beauty of His creation.
One of the most meaningful trips happened three years ago,
when I visited the Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, the Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, the
Petrified Forest, and Yosemite National Park. Seeing the Grand Canyon in
person was surreal—something I’d never expected to do in my lifetime. Standing
at the edge of such an awe-inspiring sight, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of
reverence. Words cannot adequately express the awesomeness of the depth and
width of such beauty. The giant Sequoia and El Capitan in Yosemite were
amazing. The feeling upon seeing those sites rivals that of seeing the Grand
Canyon. Pictures don’t do them justice. The trip felt like a gift, a
reminder of God’s blessings even when we think certain dreams are beyond reach.
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee
the desires of thine heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
 |
| Giant Sequoia, Yosemite, 2021 |
While most of my travels have been with family, I recently
embarked on a solo road trip (and took zero pics to document). It wasn’t
extensive, but it was a new kind of freedom. Driving solo reminded me to
cherish the independence I’ve gained—something I no longer take for granted.
With sunglasses on, a full tank of gas, and determination, I’ve embraced this
newfound freedom. Navigating on my own came with challenges, like finding accessible
stops and organizing my packed car. However, I learned to adapt. Parking close
to doors and skipping traditional rest stops for gas stations made things
easier, especially since my walker wasn’t available.
I haven’t attempted a long solo journey yet, but I’m open to the possibility. After all, I never say never! Can’t never could, right?
Faith on the Journey
Whether traveling with family or navigating solo adventures,
my faith has been my constant companion. From balancing the logistics of
food and supplies to relying on family and friends for help, I’m reminded of
the verse, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
(Galatians 6:2)
Every trip is a chance to see God’s provision, whether
through the strength to climb 800 steps, a last-minute solution to a space
issue, or the humor that keeps me going.
 |
| Yosemite, 2021 |
Navigating New Experiences
Local drives to destinations like a doctor’s office, gym, or
hair salon often come with explaining my unique needs—like why I carry a cup or
move slower. While not always necessary, it helps others understand my
situation without confusion or assumptions.
 |
| Hoover Dam Selfie, 2021 |
Choosing Gratitude Over Obstacles
Despite these challenges, I’ve learned to focus on the
positives. Traveling is still an incredible opportunity to experience life,
connect with others, and enjoy new surroundings. The extra preparation and
effort are worth it, especially when I remind myself of the joy and growth that
come with every adventure.
For anyone facing unique challenges in travel or daily life,
my advice is this: Don’t let the extra baggage—literal or figurative—stop
you. With planning, adaptability, and the support of kind people around
you, the journey is always worth it. Thinking outside the box may be required,
it is do-able. Each journey, no matter how challenging, reminds me that God’s
provision is constant, and through Him, we can find joy and perseverance in
every step.
Tell me where you are going.
Be encouraged. 🧡
No comments:
Post a Comment