What to do...

Is your son too big to be carried? Couldn't some of the men coming carry him up the four steps and set him in a comfortable chair that has been prepared for him? I wouldn't make my son feel like a leper and would find a way to be able to go. THis is a family event and surely they can all come together to help your son feel welcome and get into this trailer house.

Sometimes people do not think. I would call and tell them that I will not be attending because of the obstacles that they have. You may be surprised that they have figured out a way to get him in. I have stayed home many a time, due to the fact of the obstacles, we have Thanksgiving here, for the same reason. My parents house is just no meant for a wheelchair. I do know how you feel.

I would tell them your difficulty. Maybe they'll make a change in venue or maybe they'll come up with a solution to get your son in their trailer. But definitely tell them your predicament.

I agree I wouldn't want to ask someone to sit with him. The family can't get together to carry the wheelchair up the 5 wooden steps. Does the wheelchair fit through the door or not? If not can someone carry him into the house and bring the folded wheelchair inside after him? Or just carry him in the house and leave the wheelchair in the car. That would be a shame for both of you to miss being with family on Thanksgiving Day all because of your son being in a wheelchair. There has to be a way that you can both be there.

I know the difficulty of surmounting our problems.Family and friends have their share of difficulty,and our difficulties are in our hand to deal with.These situations we feel a little disappointed,but when I feel like that I read the bible verse in John1(16),his grace is enough to overcome our situations of sorrow and disappointments.Give this matter into the hand of our god, and he will definitely show us a way to solve our difficulties.Pray with faith to open a way..

When people aren't dealing with accessibility issues on a daily basis, they often forget about them. It's okay to feel a bit hurt, but you should also speak up and ask them to help you think of some ways to accommodate your situation. Your son shouldn't have to feel like he is a burden and should be allowed to celebrate the holiday with family.

Can you not make a ramp or even with help carry the wheelchair up the steps? I would not have thought that steps alone are a reason for you both not to go to the dinner.

First of all I am sorry that you are in this situation.. I would be upset too.. It does sound like no one thought about your son.. I personally would not want to leave either one of my children alone with a sitter during the hoildays.. Have you told anyone in your family your concerns? I am not sure who all will be attending but is there a way for some other family members to come out when you arrive with your son and help him into the house by carrying him and then setting up the wheel chair in the house.. Or setting up some sturdy boards that you can push him up? I have no idea what your brothers outside looks like so I am just shooting a couple ideas in the dark.. But in the end if your son wasnt able to attend and you really do not want to go without him; then I would just tell your family members that you will not be able to make it this year.. And hopefully other arrangements can be made for Christmas (if you celebrate it) so then you both can attend without any issue.. Even though they are your family; it is easy to forget about a detail with one family member.. Why? They are not there every day having to face the challenges that are present with someone that is bound to a wheel chair.. I hope something can be worked out for you.. I hope you have a great Thankgiving.

It's a shame they didn't take your son's situation into account when they made their decision. If it was me, I would flat out ask him if he plans on building a ramp or accommodating your son's needs in some way. The easiest and most inexpensive way would be to build a ramp out of wood but there are other options available too. One is a portable ramp. You might even think about investing in one of these for future use. They are kind of expensive but you may get a lot of use out of it. Here are a couple of links to check out: http://www.portable-wheelchair-ramps.com/ http://www.discountramps.com/handicap_ramp.htm I hope you can find a solution to the problem so everyone in the family can have an enjoyable holiday season.

hi mac, This event can be held outside the house like in the garden if it possible and if the weather will permit that will be more convenient since he is the host he must figure out something that might help his guest to come specially that it was his nephew. hope you can attend the Thanksgiving along with your son happy mylotting

If you ask me,your son and you may as well as attend the family feast your brother will give.It is a goldren opportunity where your whole family will reunion.If so,You son will certainly be happy, because he has seldom been in such an occasion.As for wooden steps,I don't know if there is a person who are able to carry your son on his back and enter your brother's house.Sorry,I am not clear what condition your son is in now.

I think your family should take into consideration the fact that you have a son in a wheelchair. Is there any way to get him up the steps if people tried to carry the wheelchair up the steps? It would be sad for you to get someone to watch him while you go to the dinner and have him left behind on Thanksgiving. Is there any way you can bring this up to your family and see if they have any suggestions on what to do?

If I could afford it, and it could be done, I would pay for strong people to lift your son up and into the house (and then back)... otherwise I probably wouldn't go, because your son is a also a part of the family, and I wouldn't want to celebrate such an important holiday without my child. You could also tell your concerns and complaints to your family. Maybe they just didn't think it over, and after you speak with them, they are going to come up with ideas, who knows.

Before spending Thanksgiving away from family, I would hope that you will have had an opportunity to talk to your family members to find out if the accommodations have been made. I know that I am more aware of the needs you and your son may have because I work in long term care. But I can assure you that before I started in my career, I would have been totally in the dark. I would have hosted an event, invited you to participate, and if you didn't communicate to me the specific needs of access, special diet, and perhaps a quiet place to take a breather...I would not have had a clue. No one, absolutely no one, but another caregiver like yourself will know your financial, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and those of your son unless they have walked a mile or more in your shoes. Am praying that it all works out so you can be with family for the holidy.