2013 (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

After Kellisa's cancer scare at the end of 2012, I wanted 2013 to be a big year for Kellisa. I had the idea of hiking a trail in all 50 states in one year and decided to make an attempt at that goal. 

 

We started with a 25K race across the desert in Big Bend National Park in January. Kellisa was the first wheelchair finisher in the history of the race. 

 

2010 - Part II (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

Lisa received an unexpected phone call in October. “We know you’re only interested in school age children, but would you be interested in a 16-month-old girl?” 

 

They needed an answer immediately. I was out of town on business when Lisa called. Without hesitation or deep discussion, we agreed that we were interested. I was still out of town the next night when Lisa called and asked me, “Where can I find a hammer?”

 

Lisa needed the hammer to build our crib, just in case we were chosen as the family for this little girl. Instead of saying, “You don’t need a hammer to build the crib,” I told Lisa where to find a hammer. I also figured we had zero chance of getting the girl.

  

2009 (Kellisa's First 18 Years)

 

The Okefenokee Swamp - the Land of Trembling Earth.

 

One of our all-time favorite places to explore and we tried to start each year off with a visit. January 1, 2009, was no different and it would set the pace for what would become Kellisa's most adventurous year by far. 

 

Kellisa had outgrown even the largest baby jog strollers, and we broke two frames on a jog stroller made for special needs children. We needed a new solution and after many hours of research, we purchased a WIKE. The chair looks awesome and offers a ton of weather protection; however, it is not built for rugged trails. We still have it and it has its uses; it's just not an all-around mobility device for our needs.

 

A Wheelchair Guide to Potter Park Zoo

 Lansing, MI

July 30, 2025

We were in Michigan for 11 days so Egypt could attend a nursing camp at the University of Michigan. We wanted to explore outside while Egypt was learning, but we found it to be uncomfortably hot and humid. We did get outside for a couple of hours while visiting the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, MI. 

It was nice for a smaller zoo and we found it mostly accessible. A few gravel paths might be difficult or impossible for some, but we managed. Kellisa's highlights include: fun under water misters with mom, the wildlife overlook bridge, the river otters, and not surprisingly, the reptile house. Not a bad way to spend some time.

Bearizona Wildlife Park

 Williams, Arizona

January 2023

Egypt had the opportunity to spend some time with her Auntie Courtney ad Uncle George in Phoenix. After a fun filled few days, we stopped at Bearizona Wildlife Park where we signed up for a behind the scenes tour. Besides seeing and learning about the animals from park staff, Egypt was able to feed a porcupine, bison, and some river otters. We got to observe many animals, including black bears in their natural habitats. Bearizona is only 58 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and well worth the visit if you're ever in the area.

Zoos

Egypt Days

HOME

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens - Wheelchair Accessibility

Glow in the Dark

Palm Desert, CA

April 2023

Kellisa and I had a few days to explore the Palm Springs region of California. Our first stop and adventure would be the Glow in the Dark event at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Our tickets were for an 8pm entry and we arrived a little early since it was our first visit. All the disabled parking spots were taken, but we were able to find an end spot which made lifting Kellisa out and back into the rental SUV easier than a boxed in regular spot.

Visitors could see the colorful glow in the crisp nighttime air before entering the zoo. There was a noticeable buzz of excitement from children and adults alike. By purchasing our entry tickets in advance, we were able to bypass the ticket windows and proceed directly to the zoo where we were greeted by the first of hundreds of hand-crafted lanterns lighting up the zoo. A large dragonfly garden was the first to grab Kellisa's attention and the bubble machine had children of all ages enthralled. 

We spent the next two hours wandering through the entire zoo watching animals in natural habitat exhibits going about their evening routines. Visiting a zoo at night-time is a completely different experience because animals are often on the move away from the heat of the day. The downside is it's a little more difficult to observe animals in the evening light, but Kellisa had no trouble following the larger mammals. The zoo even has an accessible carousel, but Kellisa was too busy wheeling around to stop and take a spin. Next time!

But the highlight of the visit was the unique lanterns which came in all colors and sizes. They weren't limited to one area as they were consistently placed throughout the entire zoo. Not surprisingly, Kellisa was most attracted to the large snake and chomping alligator lanterns. Even in the darkness, we found the zoo accessible without any obstacles other than an occasional kid running around or an aimlessly wandering adult trying to find the best selfie spot. Kellisa has visited many zoos and this was definitely one of the most unique experiences. I anticipate we will be back the next time we're in the area.

ZOOS

HOME

Memphis Zoo

 Memphis, Tennessee

September 2013

We have three stories from our father-daughter trip to the Memphis Zoo. First, Egypt and I have a thing were I sometimes respond with, "Daughter" when she calls me dad. This happened when we were at a gas station and a random man overheard and he started questioning the fact because in his words, "I don't see it."

Egypt was barely 4 years old and kinda knew she was adopted, but didn't fully understand what it all meant. I assured the man that I was her father and he just wouldn't let it go. It made for a very uncomfortable situation and I didn't want to really get into it in front of Egypt. I did my best to remain calm and we couldn't get out of there fast enough. I felt horrible for Egypt as this was the first time she had to endure a rude stranger.

Our second story is about the giant purse Egypt is holding in the picture below. Her grandmother was in the middle of staying with us for a few weeks when we took this trip. Egypt was most insistent on bringing her large zebra print purse on this trip and her grandmother tried to talk her out of it. When Egypt wouldn't budge, she told me that I would end up carrying it because it was too big for Egypt. I didn't care enough either way and if Egypt wanted it for all her "things," I was fine with it. I figured I would end up carrying her stuff no matter what it was in and to Egypt's credit, she held on to it the entire trip.

The last story still breaks my heart even after all these years. Egypt's favorite animal is the polar bear and the Memphis Zoo is the closest zoo to Jacksonville, FL with polar bears. They were the main attraction and reason why we were in Memphis. Egypt was so excited as we approached the polar bear exhibit and they were walking around and even swimming a little. We couldn't ask for a better show, it was almost like they knew their favorite fan was there to see them. 

After some time passed observing the polar bears, Egypt asked, "When do I get to pet them?"

I had to tell her that she wouldn't be able to pet the polar bears and she started crying with disappointment. A zoo worker overheard what was going on and he asked us to wait a minute because he had something for Egypt. I was thinking a small polar bear stuffed animal or something similar. I couldn't have been more wrong.

We came back with a 4' by 6' piece of polar bear fur for Egypt to pet and she was so excited to feel it, but it was short lived when she asked if it was real. When he responded, "Yes," she started to really cry because she realized that the polar bear had to die for her to be able to pet it.

It took some time to calm down and some deep conversations with a 4 year old before she was able to enjoy the polar bears again.

ZOOS

Home