29 – The Johnson Family Reunion

Before Albert went to Core Healthcare for full-time rehab, we went to the Johnson Family Reunion in Atlanta. I reserved a wheelchair at the airport for Albert and when we arrived and checked in, the airline has someone wheel him to our gate and they got him seated on the plane. I did my best to make sure Albert didn’t have anything to drink before we boarded to make sure that he wouldn’t have to go to the restroom on the plane. This worked out well because Albert stayed in his seat the entire flight and as soon as we got off of the plane, he wanted to go directly to the restroom in the airport.

Since Albert isn’t able to engage in conversations with others, he listens to music, jazz, and old-school R&B, almost all the time. With little conversation happening, the flight to Atlanta was quiet and uneventful which was good because it was the first time that we had flown with Albert and the stroke. Albert listened to music, Jordan chatted with a middle-aged woman sitting next to him, and I read a book on my iPad. 

When we arrived in Atlanta, the airline had a wheelchair waiting for us as we got off the plane.  It was a hydraulic wheelchair, and I was able to wheel Albert quickly and effortlessly to the car rental.  We rented a car from SIXT and were on our way to Albert’s brother, Kerry’s home.  

We arrived at the house and were given a loving welcome from lots of people who were at the house.  Albert loved visiting his brothers and seeing his relatives throughout the weekend. As his brothers talked to him and asked him questions, Albert tried to respond to their questions. They listened intently and tried to decipher what he was saying. They understood some words and some words they didn’t understand but they gave him lots of encouragement.

Albert showed out at the family reunion. When others were on the floor dancing, Albert got his cane and started dancing with them. He danced until he could no longer dance using moves he’d used in the past to every song that was played. Joy was on his face as he spent time with his family and took in the environment. All of our immediate family showed up. Albert and Taylor, our older sons and a multitude of cousins. Albert, his brothers, his cousins, and his sons were all in the same room. Brotherly love was in the air.

Albert’s family made sure he was well-fed, comfortable, and loved. We wheeled Albert around Atlanta allowing him to see the city, and he happily complied because he was part of the group and went everywhere we went. Everyone encouraged Albert which made the situation even better. It was a good weekend.

When the family reunion was over, and it was time to go home. We were sad as we said our goodbyes with hugs and kisses, and afterward, we hopped in the rental car and headed to the airport.  

Things went a little slower at the airport because Albert was tired. The excitement of the trip was gone and reality was in view.  We checked in, got Albert a wheelchair, and wheeled him to the gate.  He was sad to leave his family and knew that going home meant getting back to reality. Albert’s reality was to continue the process of healing his body with rehabilitation.