A Long Journey To Home

In two days I will be flying home to my own native country. At this time I already feel some sense of excitement as I look forward to being home and seeing my siblings, relatives and few friends, whom I haven’t seen for a year now. It’s always good to reconnect and be with one’s family. That is why, no matter how long I have been away from my native country, I make it a point to always go home every year to be with my family. As they say, there is nothing like family. Your family is your home. In the midst of turmoil and many challenges in life, it is usually in the family where you find respite and quiet. You know that no matter what happens in your life, you always have your family to count and depend on. It is in the family that you find your foundation, support and strength.

As I am excited to go home, I am also a little bit concern about my health. In the first place, I have to make a long journey to home. From the US to the Philippines, it takes at least nineteen hours flying time, excluding my stopovers. Consider that this would be my first time to travel after I have been diagnosed with my illness. Right now I am trying to prepare all my medications and everything that I need when I will be away. I need to secure a doctor’s note to facilitate my travel, considering that I will be carrying some syringes and medicines on the plane. I need to request some special meals on the plane too so as not to disrupt my meal plan. I need to see to it that I always carry an identification card for my own protection in case of emergency. These are some of my immediate concerns which I need to attend to as I prepare for my journey to home.

While in the Philippines, I have to see to it that I would be able to continue my daily routine of taking my medications, watch my diet and do regular exercise. As far as I can see now, when I will be at home, probably the most difficult to manage would be on the area of dieting. Remember, I am going home on vacation. In my previous experiences, I used to look forward of going home because I missed so much our native dishes. Now I don’t know what will happen this time. I know I have to watch my diet constantly. As I said in my previous article, I could not be complacent or lax in my current treatment. As far as I am concern, complacency is a dangerous game. But, again, how I am able to control myself when faced with situations will be a real test.

I just saw my doctor this afternoon and he made a letter indicating that I am his patient and I have diabetes. This information is important for the customs and for the flight attendants, so they would not question me about all these medications which I carry with me on the plane, or anywhere else. I am also bringing along some other pills and medications, aside from my regular medications, just so I have something to use in case of any eventuality.

Well, I just thought of sharing this info with you. When I was not yet sick, I never thought about any of these. Now, as I plan to travel, it’s just a bit different.