My Grandpa Johnny had a stroke this week.
Even with the loss of speech and partial paralysis, we have been hopeful….hopeful for something, anything.
Recognition? Recovery? Hopeful that everything could just go back the way it was a week ago?
God has other plans. Yesterday, he was moved to the Hospice House…oh Lord, thank you for the Hospice House. As of writing this post, I have yet to receive *THAT* phone call…hopeful that no news is good news (so they say.)
Oh…did I mention that I live in Northwest Indiana and he lives in South Carolina? Do you know how much harder the distance makes things?
I’m sure you do.
Fortunately, my uncle and his family are there. My aunt and her family drove in from Pennsylvania yesterday. Another aunt and cousin made the 13 hour drive this week as well. Here I am…helpless…wondering what to do. Can’t someone just TELL me what to do? Just make everything better like hot cherry pie and ice cream does.
The simple plan would be to hop on a plane and go, right? Riiiight. I have been scouring the internet for 2 days looking for an airline ticket. Get this…last minute ticket…from Chicago to South Carolina…$800 to $1000. *give me a moment* Are you kidding? EIGHT hundred to a THOUSAND dollars? I mean, really…why take advantage of people? I would be willing to guess, that ANYONE in their right mind who needs plane tickets doesn’t buy them at the last second. Business trips are usually planned ahead. Vacations? WAY ahead. In all actuality, people who need tickets without an advance buy are those in emergency situations. Does that seem right? Shouldn’t those people be given EXTRA care with MAJOR discounts? To be fair, yes, several major airlines will give bereavement or compassion rates. Even so…$600 for an emergency airline ticket that should only cost $150 on a normal day? Same plane, same flight, same check-in. And…what do you do when you get there? Do you have a place to stay? What about a vehicle? So many variables to consider amidst the mind clutter and anguish that is already present. *sigh*
I do hear you yelling, “Priceline it!” I did. It was still outrageous. But then, I had this crazy idea. Since there are already 10 people (or more) staying at my uncle’s house, I knew I needed a hotel room. Also, they are an hour from the airport…how the heck was I supposed to ask someone to come and pick me up? That meant I needed a rental car. Hmmm…I decided to check into Priceline’s “vacation” packages even though this is FAR from a vacation.
Wow. Guess what? It worked. Nonstop round trip flight from Chicago to Greer, SC, 3 nights hotel (with free wifi, deluxe breakfast & pool), unlimited mileage mid-sized rental car…$345.99 total (in which $60 was taxes and fees!) So…how much does an airline ticket REALLY cost and why are we all constantly getting ripped off? *grumble*
Whether you are looking for emergency travel or a fun vacation, be sure to take the time to research your options. You may be surprised at how much you save. Possibly enough to take a SECOND vacation for the price of one! Doesn’t that sound awesome?
*I love you Grandpa Johnny…God has you now. 8/31/10*
I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my mother in December. Yes the immediate pain does get better with time, but the hole in your heart will last a lifetime. I find myself still wanting to tell her something, or share something with her. I’ll think mom would really have liked this when I see a good movie are make a wonderful meal. But I think that is God’s way of helping up keep that love with us. I miss her everyday, but I know she’s dancing in heaven (yes ma’am I know this as sure as I know my name) and I also know she’s watching over me ( yep I feel her telling me when I need to do something or hugging me when I “do good”.
She got to spend Christmas with Jesus! Can you even imagine how wonderful that must have been?
So take heart in knowing that your Grandpa Johnny is living it up in heaven, having a wonderful time, free of all the pain and pressure of living on earth. Take joy in that, remember him always, talk to him daily and do him the greatest of favors and LIVE your life the best you can.
Hugs from Texas
Vikki,
The sincere thoughts and prayers from our friends and family have definitely been felt through this time…and we are thankful!
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. He was a mighty Man of God and I know he is exactly where he would want to be. Yes, things are never the same when we lose our loved ones – but all we can do is relive the memories and go on.
Best wishes