I am a member of a church in Bluford, Illinois. I just read in our newspaper and saw on the television of your generosity to the kids of Bluford High School. I was so proud of the kids when they chose to forgo their trip and to give the funds they had raised to their classmate, Derek Gracey. Now I cannot tell you how you have helped to restore my faith in the world by your gift to the kids. I, too, have a daughter who has a tramatic brain injury that happened 28 years ago and I continue to remember the kindness shown to our family. At a time like this that is about all that can be done. The rest is a waiting game. People like you share so much of their self and giving to strangers show what we can do for fellow human beings. May God pour out his blessings on you many, many times for your actions. Thank God you were on your "watch." Lois Tate Mount Vernon, Illinois

Dear Lois:
How very nice of you to take the time to write. It sounds like you've had your hands full as well. Maybe the Stephanie Abrams Travel Fairy Godmother needs to do a little intervention with you! I suspect you have been up to your neck in alligators dealing with your daughter's special needs and circumstances for almost 3 decades. Do you get to travel? Is there assistance in caring for your daughter? I'm sure that your faith has helped get you through many dark days. Our prayers are with you and your family as well.

__________________
Radio Show Host
Travel Expert
Stephanie Abrams

Dear Stephanie, Thanks for your kind words of encouragement concerning my daughter and her care. We have been very blessed. Even though our daughter was in a coma for 6 months, she has progressed to the point of living in her own apartment. She has a personal attendent a few hours 5 days a week and of course we provide support and take care of some of her needs. She is a very determined individuals and has worked hard to regain many of her abilities, but continues to have many disabilities. She can walk short distances with support, but spend most of her time in a manual and power chair. We do get to travel some. We always arrange to take her with us to expose her to more of the life around her and this has proved beneficial in her rehab. Our goal now is to be a support and to share our story with as many parents as we can who can benefit from it. Others reached out to us and it was such a wonderful way of supporting us. But my whole purpose of writing to you the first time was to let you know how wonderful it was of you to send the kids from Bluford High School to Branson. They will never forget your kindness. I am sure it was totally unexpected. What a wonderful place to send them. It is one of our special places. God Bless you! Lois Tate

Dear Lois:
Your daughter sounds like she's learned courage from her mother.
When you've traveled with your daughter, where did you go?
How far from home can you travel with her comfortably?
How many days can you be away with her typically?
Hugs all around,

__________________
Radio Show Host
Travel Expert
Stephanie Abrams

Stephanie, It amazes me that a busy person such as your self takes the time to write such caring notes to people. It is such a blessing to be able to be the receiver of such notes. I noted that the Webber class is going to Dolly Pardons Dixie Stampede. Oh, such an experience that will be for them. Thank you again! You asked in your last note where we take our daughter when we travel. We usually travel by car so rest breaks can be taken as needed. We have gone to the Smokey Mountains. We can see a lot of wonderful natural beauty there by driving and getting out at opportune times. We also are able to take part in the things that accomadate the disabled. We too have gone to Branson. A wonderful place. We have traveled to Chicago, but it is not our favorite place as we like places where we can take our time and relax. Thanks for inquiring. Oh and as to how far we can comfortable travel with our daughter, as long as we take our time and build this into our travel time, I don't think there are limitations as to distance. We have learned to pace ourselves in this hectic world so that each of us can enjoy our travels. I do hope if there is other persons out there reading this that have people with disabilities that this will encourage them to try new and different things with them. The joy we receive from our daughter more than pays back the adjustments that we have had to make due to her accident. May God bless you, Stephanie for your caring attitude. Lois Tate