“If you don’t go, you’ll never go”
A statement that stopped me dead in my tracks upon reading it.
Balancing both of my boy’s diverse needs has been a constant effort, with travel emerging as a notable challenge. Brantley’s requirement to be home each night is deeply rooted in his necessity for routine and familiarity. Our home acts as his sanctuary, where established routines and the comfort of predictability provide a secure environment.
In sharp contrast, his brother Bronson yearns to explore the world and enjoy days on the beach—a somewhat unfortunate wish for a boy growing up in central Ohio that has a brother that cannot tolerate travel.
We have attempted several trips to a Great Wolf Lodge just a few hours away — a place Brantley dearly loves—but found that each night triggered a state of mania. Witnessing this unfold is heartbreaking and leaves me feeling completely helpless.
In an attempt to not stifle Bronson’s travel aspirations we have divided into two groups on several occasions —me boarding a plane with Bronson headed to a week at Disney World or a quick trip to the Bahamas while my husband stays home with Brantley. While these trips have been memorable, they always result in both Bronson and I longing for Joel and Brantley to be part of the memories made.
Each time, I wonder, could we take Brantley on a vacation? Although the idea of distant adventures seems daunting, I envision creating shared moments away from our property. I can picture the joy and squeals that would erupt from my sweet boy as I carefully navigate our side by side up a West Virginia mountain with him in tow or the look of delight as his lanky body splashes in a pool beneath the Florida sun.
In order to turn these dreams into a reality, I recognize the need for careful preparation. Committing to a tolerance program for Brantley to adapt to nights away from home is a crucial first step. While apprehensions about potential challenges and manic episodes linger, the persistent thought is that if we don't embark on this journey, we may never do so. 2024 seems like the perfect time to tackle this new adventure.
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