Accessible RV Camping IS Possible for those with Special Needs (See How We Have Done it for Over 20 Years)

I have said many times that Accessible RV Camping and Music, in general, both play a huge part in our lives. Today was no exception to that regarding the music and the memories of RV Camping with our son. You know when you hear an old song, and it takes you right back to a moment in your history when something profound and memorable happened? Sometimes those are good times remembered and sometimes not so good memories that come rushing back. But bear with me, because I will get to how Accessible RV Camping IS Possible and what it has to do with music for us too. 😉

 

 

Accessible RV Camping with Special Needs and Music

Today, while folding laundry, I had Alexa playing country music in the background. A song came on that I had heard a few times but never really listened to the lyrics very closely. Today I heard the lyrics as plain as day!

Like every song’s lyric, I believe every person can take it differently because of what it means to them. My meaning for this song is probably very different than that of which the songwriter had in mind; however, the basic message is the same. When you pray for something, hold tight to your faith, for anything is possible for those who believe!

This song was released in July 2018; not one that was playing back in July 2003 when I was pregnant, but it took me back. Way back.

 

 

Where this Song Took Me

I was pregnant with our first child. On July 17, 2003, we had an appointment with a Perinatologist, an obstetrician with special training in high-risk pregnancy care. We had an amniocentesis done and were there to receive the results from it. We knew something wasn’t quite right with my pregnancy.

 

 

I was HUGE! Most people thought I was having twins, but that wasn’t the case.

We found out that the baby boy I was carrying wasn’t swallowing the amniotic fluid like they’re supposed to do when in utero. The doctor warned us that he would most likely need surgery immediately after birth for a swallowing defect, that he would most likely be premature, and that he has a chromosome disorder. I remember leaving the hospital completely confused and absolutely terrified of losing this baby boy I was carrying.

 

The Test

Mark and I believed in God. We had faith, but it was being tested now.

What I remember most from that day, July 17, 2003, through July 21, 2003 (yes, only 4 days later I went into labor VERY early) are only a few things.

1. I had “that talk” with my parents that I never thought and prayed I never would have to have with them about their first Grandchild.
2. Mark and I watched A LOT of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” because it made us laugh and we had to laugh, otherwise, we would drown in all this news.
3. Most importantly, we prayed. I prayed, Mark prayed, our families prayed, our friends prayed. We had people praying for us and our unborn son that we didn’t even know, and their family and friends prayed for us too.

 

 

 

Enjoy Every Day

Our son, Aiden Alan Glen Hardman, was born on July 21, 2003, at only 32 weeks gestation. No, he didn’t need surgery, yes, he did have special medical needs. He was born at 2lbs, 6oz. He spent only 25 days in the hospital, and they sent us all home on August 14, 2003. “Enjoy your time with your son,” they said as they sent us on our way.

 

 

I won’t go into any more details than that because as Aiden’s parents, we have chosen to do JUST THAT. We have and will continue to enjoy every day with our son. THAT is what leads me to Accessible RV Camping with special needs! (Thanks for bearing with me to get here).

 

 

Accessible RV Camping and Special Needs

Aiden LOVES RV Camping and basically anything having to do with nature in general. He is absolutely the happiest when he is at the lake camping. We found this out by taking him RV Camping in our first Motorhome, a Pace Arrow older model, when he was not even a year old! He was on oxygen, a pulse oximeter, uses a suction machine, and uses a G-Tube for enteral feedings.

So, for those of you who have medical experience or those of you who have a close someone to you that has special medical needs, you KNOW how much medical equipment all of that includes!

However, was NOT an Accessible RV Camping experience because he was a baby, so it was easier for us because we just had to deal with the same medical equipment we did at home.

As Aiden has gotten older, he uses a wheelchair to get around, but that doesn’t stop him from RV Camping! No sir! He is a prime example of why anyone, at any age, should be able to enjoy nature and go Accessible RV Camping!

 

 

The G.O.A.L. with Accessible RV Camping

Aiden had homebound school mostly from kindergarten all the way through High School Graduation and he did amazing things in school! He doesn’t speak verbally; however, he was taught by his amazing school team to communicate with eye gaze to the left or right to answer all questions and uses his eyes and facial expressions very well to communicate. Believe me, when I say it, when he was a teenager and even more so now, HE SAYS A LOT! Hahaha!

Aiden inspires us to G.O.A.L. (Get Out And Live) in our RV Camping adventures. Like I mentioned before, we started taking him RV Camping when he was only a little over a year old. He loves being outside playing baseball, riding in his bike trailer, going for strolls around the campground, lounging in a hammock, and fishing.

 

 

Ramps for Accessible RV Camping

We started off with ramps that allowed his wheelchair to be wheeled up into the RV. The one pictured is a 6’ Foldable Portable Wheelchair Ramp.

 

 

We also purchased a 4’ Portable Wheelchair Ramp that we can use in smaller steeped areas.

 

 

When he got even older and bigger, we got a powered wheelchair lift that lifts him right into the RV! If you want more information about this powered wheelchair lift, it is called The Dream Lift.

 

The Dream Lift For Accessible RV Camping

 

 

Rollways for Accessible RV Camping in Our New RV Camping “Private Community”

If you follow SOWLE RV, this is news you haven’t heard yet mostly because we have been so busy working towards this GOAL that I haven’t even had time to write about it yet and share the awesome news with you all. BUT I decided to update this article because I don’t want anyone missing out on ideas for how Accessible RV Camping IS Possible! Here is what we have done…

 

The Accessible RV Camping Ultimate Experience at the SOWLE RV Landing

First off, the white fencing are just some “gates” on either side of where we come out of our Travel Trailer onto a raised platform/small deck area. The swinging gates are there to keep the SOWLE RV Chihuahua 6-Pack from running off when we open the door. 😉

Secondly, as we exit the Travel Trailer and go to the right, the rollways or ramps allow Aiden to get from the Travel Trailer to a small deck below (towards Marks Motorhome he works from home in).

Next, if we exit the Travel Trailer and go to the left, it allows Aiden to go to his Gamma and PawPaws deck, or to the “Lake House” where his GG (now 93 year-old Great-Grandma) lives with Auntie J.

Finally, right beside the “Lake House” is the driveway that we pull our handicap accessible van to load/unload Aiden.

 

 

 

SOWLE RV TV The Handicap Accessible RV Camping Rollways at the SOWLE RV Landing Video

 

 

 

 

 

Photography for Any Ability While RV Camping

He also has an interest in Photography and is really very good at it! If you’re interested in Photography for anyone with special abilities, especially while RV Camping, check out our article on How to Create Inspirational and Motivational Nature Photography. We tell about how Aiden uses his iPad for Photography in that article as well and it just may be what you’re looking for in additional Accessible RV Camping!

 

 

Bird Watching While RV Camping

Bird Watching is another educational activity Aiden loves to do while RV Camping. It’s amazing how much interest I now have in bird watching since he started doing it! It really is fun and can be done just about anywhere! It’s also fun to see the difference in birds from our home to wherever we are camping. Here is our How to Bird Watch for Beginners article for more ideas on Accessible RV Camping Adventures!

 

 

When You’re Seeking Outdoor Adventures but Stuck Inside

What I believe is one of the hardest part of entertaining any child while RV Camping when it is raining or too cold to go outside. That is why we came up with a backup plan for those days. Besides Accessible RV Camping Photography and Bird Watching, we know How to Be Prepared for Cold, Rainy Days With Kids in the RV!

There will be Struggles

Aiden also loved going for rides on his Grandparents pontoon, but we have since had to stop water activities since he got his trach. He is perfectly content with doing whatever activity we do if we are camping! That’s another reason why we love advocating for Kids with Special Needs and Abilities, because our Aiden is proof that you can do anything you desire, and you shouldn’t let anything hold you back!

 

 

How We Found the Perfect Accessible RV for Aiden with Special Needs

We have had some situations where we struggled a bit to make things work, but where there’s a will, there’s a way and we manage to make it all work. Finding the perfect RV for our needs was one of those challenges, however, we were able to find just the right one to fit all our needs, most importantly, Aiden’s needs! You can read about that in our article How We Found the Perfect RV for Us.

 

 

We are SO BLESSED!!!

 

 

Oops! 

OH! I got off track! That happens a lot when I talk about my kiddo (typical Mom).

SO, here are the lyrics to that song that reminded me of all I’ve shared with you all!

You can listen to it and watch the video below as well! Enjoy!

 

 

“I Prayed for You”

I’ve never been one to ask for help

If I need a mountain moved, I move it myself

I ain’t the church pew regular, twice on Sunday

Quote you the scripture kind

I’m far from a preacher

But I’m a believer

 

‘Cause every single day, before I knew your name

I couldn’t see your face, but I prayed for you

 

Every heartbreak trail when all hope fell

On the highway to hell, I prayed for you

 

I kept my faith like that old King James

Said I’m supposed to

 

It’s hard to imagine, bigger than I could fathom

I didn’t know you from Adam, but I prayed for you

 

For Someone to love me like you do

Graceful eyes to see me through

A smile that steals me, a heart that heals me

A touch that kills me too

Baby your perfect, I guess the Good Lord heard it

 

‘Cause every single day, before I knew your name

I couldn’t see your face, but I prayed for you

 

Every heartbreak trail when all hope fell

On the highway to hell, I prayed for you

 

I kept my faith like that old King James

Said I’m supposed to

 

It’s hard to imagine, bigger than I could fathom

I didn’t know you from Adam, but I prayed for you

 

Every single day, before I knew your name

I couldn’t see your face, but I prayed for you

 

Every tail light fade in the goodbye rain

Girl even today, I prayed for you

 

I kept my faith like that old King James

Said I’m supposed to

 

It’s hard to imagine, bigger than I could fathom

I didn’t know you from Adam, but I prayed for you

 

I prayed for you

 

I prayed for you

 

Here’s the Video. Like I said, different meanings for every song for each person!

Credits:

The Songwriters of Prayed for You are Allison Margaret Veltz, Ash Bowers, and Matt Stell.

Prayed for You lyrics © Words & Music A Div Of Big Deal Music LLC, Amplified Administration

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