Terrell and his parents are planning one last family trip.
Terrell can't travel far or get around much, but he wants to get out of his bedroom and into the world, if only for a while.
His sister, Dominique, also took a trip with the family shortly before she died. They went to Great Wolf Lodge in Michigan, the state where they lived at the time. Terrell says he doesn't want to go there, partly because it's full of too many memories of her.
So on a recent day, Carl sat down on Terrell's bed and they studied possibilities on a laptop computer. They explored the Web site for Kentucky state parks and came upon General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton, Ky. It's close enough that travel wouldn't be a big problem and far enough away that it would give Terrell a taste of nature. It includes a campground, a historic house, cottages and a lodge. Although Terrell wouldn't be able to hike or even walk much, he could look outside at the trees, take in views of the Ohio River valley and perhaps have a restaurant meal with his parents.
Carl and Terrell talked about leaving on the first Sunday in March and staying for a couple of days. They didn't want to plan too far in the future, but just far enough that Terrell's brother can make it, too.
"You know
my schedule's clear," Terrell joked, as he sometimes does to lighten the mood.
Then he scrolled through the Web site and smiled.
Laura Ungar has been the Courier-Journal's medical writer since 2004. Major projects have examined Kentucky's poor health, black lung disease, cervical cancer in India and the health insurance crisis among America's middle class. You can follow her series on 
Sam Upshaw, 46, of Louisville, has been a photographer with The Courier-Journal for 22 years. In addition to covering the community on a daily basis, he has visually documented Muhammad Ali, Kentucky's poor health, the University of Louisville's win at the Orange Bowl in Miami and Hurricane Ivan in Florida. Spending time with Terrell, he is inspired by the young man's strength and wisdom, which helps put life's little inconveniences in perspective.
1 Comments:
We will be praying for all of you.
We met you at the lake in General Butler State Park on Sunday. We were part of the group that you took our picture and we took yours. We looked up your story on the Courier Journal like you requested. You are right, God has a purpose for you and you will find that purpose. Have faith!
Peace be to all of you!
Joe and Deb, Alexandria, KY
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