At the beach, Day 1

Sharon arrived at our house before 6 this morning to take us to the airport. She was a great help getting us all the way to the ticket counter, and then American Airlines and D/FW personnel made the rest of the morning relatively easy.

I had asked earlier this week for seats near the front of coach, to make the walk down the aisle easier for Steve. When we checked in, our seats were in row 31. I asked again for seats closer to the front, explaining that Steve would be unable to navigate the aisle without assistance.

Maureen at the gate took care of us, upgrading us to first class -- an unexpected treat. We were in the second row of the plane. Steve was able to hold on to doors and seats until he reached our row.

We left Dallas at 8:20 a.m., and five hours later we were resting on lounge chairs on the beach.

The Breakers is a 15-minute cab ride from the Palm Beach airport. Steve's rented wheelchair was waiting at the valet station when arrived, and our room was ready within minutes. We settled in to the room and then headed for the coast.

A boardwalk allowed me to push Steve to the sand, and then an attendant pushed him from the boardwalk to the sand and a waiting chair.

The wind was too strong today for umbrellas, but we did read (Steve is reading The Shack, and I'm reading American Wife) and enjoy frozen drinks. Steve sighed appreciatively more times than I could count.

This is going to be a fabulous trip.