Airfares doubling, flight delays and cancellations, and Robert’s inability to travel combined to make a trip from West Palm Beach, Florida to the LPA conference in Spokane, Washington questionable. Yet I needed to be there. Not because it was LPA’s 65th anniversary, but it was the first opportunity to market my dwarfism memoir trilogy since its’ completion in 2021.
So after prayerful consideration and organizing at-home support for Robert, I flew to Spokane on July 3rd. Given that Delta pilots were on strike, I was grateful to be flying with American Airlines. Prior weeks of airport chaos had me anticipating trouble. Instead, there were no major hiccups.
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TSA staff were friendly and helpful. Just as well, because head-level tables were too high for me to lift my bags onto. Plus a sophisticated scanner negated TSA’s need to unpack my computer and CPAP from carry-on bags. Technology also kept me informed of flight delays. Upon arrival at my Dallas, Texas connection, the American Airlines App on my phone notified me of a delay and gate change. No need to line up for flight information or strain to read departure screens.
As with any trip, I encountered a mixed bag of fellow travelers. Passenger allies provided interesting encounters and helped with things like retrieving my suitcase from the baggage claim carousel. A hostile passenger complained about how long it took TSA to process a veteran with a prosthetic leg. And an inconsiderate passenger used the accessible bathroom stall as a personal dressing room.
A late arrival in Spokane put my accessible taxi reservation in jeopardy. Thankfully the driver waited for me to be reunited with my scooter and checked luggage. I reserve my objection to the $100 surcharge for the accessible taxi for another day—it was my only way of getting to the hotel with my scooter and I didn’t want to be stranded at the airport.
A midnight arrival at the hotel eliminated a check-in line, qualified me for a two-day breakfast treat of soft peanut brittle, and resulted in a bellhop being immediately available. Even though the room had been prepared for LPA guests, I needed the bellhop to not only bring my bags to the room, but also to remove the soap and shampoo from the wall holders and lower the coffee maker and iron. Despite not noticing the need for a step stool to climb into bed until after he left, I didn’t call him back. I used an overturned trash can. A five o’clock rise and shine message at dawn meant I also overlooked asking how to lower the blinds.
Not only was travel trauma avoided, but also my book marketing objectives were accomplished. All but two of the books shipped were sold at the LPA Expo! And the bonus was attending and presenting at workshops, participating in conversations on sensitive topics, receiving DNA confirmation of my dwarfism diagnosis, connecting with LP past and future friends, and exploring Spokane. All my prayers were answered.
For information on my dwarfism memoir trilogy, go to https://angelamuirvanetten.com/books/.
7 replies on “Successful Spokane Trip”
Thanks for this (determinedly) positive post. I smiled inwardly and outwardly as I read it.
Wow! Glad the trip has been so fruitful. I’m surprised they aren’t awarding you a “Lifetime Achievement Award!” Seriously! They should! 🥰 May God bless both you and Robert, especially today!
LPA has twice awarded me its highest honor—the Kitchens Meritorious Service Award—for my work as a leader in banning dwarf tossing in licensed establishments in New York and Florida and in breaking the six-inch reach barrier in buildings and facilities open to the public throughout America.
So glad your trip was so successful. PTL
so glad you went. We plan to be in Austin next year
Thanks for the details on the trip. So happy it went well and you’re safely home. You are a courageous woman!
So glad your trip was productive and you sold so many books. I have enjoyed reading each one of them. And it must have been very heartwarming reconnecting with past acquaintances. Hearing about you hotel frustration brought back memories of when Bill and I tagged along on the trip to your LPA convention in Fort Myers years ago. Wish I could have been there to lower the blinds for you! Cousin Linda