If I were a stand up comic

Oh we don't just tell the stories, we live them! So there we were in the Red Carpet Lounge at O'Hare Airport. We had been there off and on for 6 hrs, helping ourselves to the free snacks and beverages. This is mostly business people (frequent flyers?) and those who fly Business or First Class often. Picture a very subdued atmosphere, people hunched over laptops, CNN or sports turned down discretely so as not to disturb others. And then there is us!



Like I said earlier, we found there was a mens and ladies restroom in the lounge, plus a unisex... single restroom, handicapped accessible, lock on the door. A blessing. It was the second time I helped Eddie to the restroom, got him situated on the toilet, then stepped out and "guarded" the unlocked door (so he could have some privacy). But this was the final stop before we left for our gate and departure, only two hours away from leaving Chi in our rear view mirror (one hour before pre-boarding)...off to see the Wizard. And, somehow, I locked the bathroom door when I wnt out! Eddie inside on the toilet, can't reach the doorknob, can't get into the wheelchair without assistance, and I kind of freaked out. I don't think I caused a huge scene...that was all playing out in my head. But I did raise my voice to let him know it was okay and I'd get "help".



I went to the host/hostess/bouncer desk and waited for them to end their discussion with a "real" member of the Red Carpet Club. Couldn''t stand the wait, so when and found someone who would interrupt the conversation. Trying to make them understand, yes he was in there, no he couldn't unlock the door for me, etc, etc. Then their master key wouldn't release the lock. I pictured lazy, slow moving, maintenance guys (late on a Friday night) making their way over to drill the lock and me watching our plane fly away! Luckily, the hostess came around with the same key they had tried earlier.... and it worked!!



I'm serious when I say I did not accidently lock that door... it would almost be impossible to do it on purpose...so I think the lock malfunctioned. Eddie was sitting there unconcerned, and I was ready to lie down somewhere...anywhere and wait for the adrenaline (ms) to wear off!

Cologne Germany arrival at last

Well, we are here at last! At the beginning of each step of the trip, he would look at me and say "we're off to see the wizard". Every time anything went well, I would tell him .... look in my eyes, and repeat after me "Patti you did good"... then we'd both start laughing. He's laughing now, as I'm reading my post out loud to him. Of course he's cleaned up, fresh clothes, and two large beers down (from the hotel lobby). One Kolsch (good local beer) and one large, dark Bavarian beer..he does like his beer. I was concerned because he chose to restict fluids for most of the trip so we wouldn't have to struggle with unfamiliar toilet facilities. He did have several drinks last night at the Red Carpet, because we found a private unisex toilet there (I'll post later about our toilet adventure). Beer is certainly not the best thing to use to replenish fluids, but it will flush his kidneys quickly, and relax him as well. He and I only got about 4 hrs sleep on the plane last night, so hopefully we can get lots of sleep tonight and tomorrow. Before I elaborate about my thoughts on the trip, I asked Eddie what he wanted to mention about the trip so far.

He loved the oatmeal raisin cookies on Amer. Airlines, he also loved the mixed nuts that they served us warm in small pottery-type dishes. Those of you who know him well, know he enjoys his food and drink. You can't tell it from his weigh now, but he still has a very good appetite...he just burns so many calories moving on the walker.

He also raves about the Lufthansa (ground) special services crew at Frankfort, and the Bahn staff for special services at the Frankfort station, and Cologne too. We brought his small camera rather than the larger one, so I'm hoping to upload a picture of him and his "entourage" in Frankfort. BUT most of all, he's glad the long flight over here is completed.

I'm having a bit of trouble with the WiFi here at the hotel right now so will edit and re-publish this post and try another segment later. With luck we'll have pictures!
Love to all!

Made it to Chicago

Greetings from Chicago O'Hare, compliments of United's awesome Red Carpet Lounge. Apparently Luftstansa "borrows" space from United, and we can use their lounge due to the Lufstansa Business class. Unfortunately, it's 8 pm now and I just figured out how to get on the WiFi. O'Hare touts free WiFi anywhere. But, apparently it's blocked in the lounge since their Red Carpet folks all use a special TMobile WiFi. The host here just granted me a one day pass (actually about one hour now!) so I could get online and check in with everyone.
Coming out of Tulsa was somewhat uneventful. Great flight, good lunch, wonderful warm oatmeal cookies (Eddie loved them). I'll have time to go on and on when we finally get to the hotel in Germany, but trying to make it quick here.

I failed to update our itinerary about NOT spending the night in Chicago. A few got a bit of a panic. We did not fly out on the 15th and spend the night, but flew out on the 16th (today) and have spent the entire day here.

AA in Tulsa loaded Eddie first. It was an anxious moment for me because we had to move him from his wheelchair to this tiny, rickety onboard wheelchair. The seat was about the size of a dinner plate, and it was not a smooth ride. They did strap him in well, and we got him through the door. Due to the contractures in his feet, they wouldn't fit on the foot rest, so had to manuever that around. Sooo .. we were in the first seat on the plane, that was a good thing.
I actually lifted him from the seated position, while he pushed against the armrests, and I got him in an somewhat upright postion with a little muscle... he slid one foot over...kind of sidestepped, I had them slide the tiny chair under him and they strapped him in. It wasn't quite as easy to get him into the seat since the arm didn't lift out of the way, but again, a bit of muscle (I'm talking old lady muscle...LOL), and we got him pivoted into the seat.

Unfortunately, Lufthansa says he will have to use that onboard wheelchair again on their plane... and we are on row 18! Oh well, once he's strapped in and lugged about, a few more rows shouldn't matter.

We've been hanging aroung O'Hare for several hours now. I think I've walked about 10 miles today (kidding, but I bet I've walked two or three, easy). Since this is such a large plane (Airbus 330) they will pre-board early. I'm expecting to get onboard by 8pm, and we should both be snoring by the time we hit 35,000'. He's pooped now too, but being a good sport.

I swear we've done nothing but eat since we left home this morning. Eddie wanted a burger from a place here at the airport so we loaded up on that too. Hopefully, I can walk it off on this trip.

Don't worry about us, unless I tell you to, okay? It may be a day or so until I can get enough sleep, figure out this WiFi stuff and get back online. Otherwise, we've still got a sense of humor, and I'm still walking upright, so we are doing well.
Love to all! Thanks for the prayers...keep em coming.

Our big ole dog

Many of you know we have a big ole sweetheart weimeriener. She is a beautiful dog, and so good tempered. I tell everyone we seem to go for the pretty ones, because she doesn't appear to have the intelligence. When Eddie first began having trouble, I asked if we should try to find her a new home. She's 74 pounds of playful energy, and I was afraid she would unintentionally bump him and knock him down. Eddie said there is a lot to be said for sheer companionship (not quite sure where that places me, but I'll let that be). Well, she does seem intelligent after all, and compassionate too. She lays her head in his lap, or backs up to get her rump scratched. She's never bumped him or caused him any problems. If she hears a loud noise, or any clattering ... she is off, like a shot. Apparently, she's afraid he will fall on her when he takes the occassional tumble, and steers clear. So much for man's best friend!

So, it's quiet and kind of lonely here tonight since I took her today to our groomer's. They have a place in Mannford, kind of country, with boarding facilites. She'll be staying with Russ and Karen for the duration, and be well cared for. She'll have her own "room" and run while vacationing. And Karen says she plays music when she's away. Don't know how Izzy will make it without HGTV, but she'll just have to deal with it. I tell Eddie that Izzy likes HGTV (like I do) ... I don't think he's buying it though.

Airport Parking

I just wanted to share a bit of info, in case anyone else is traveling out of Tulsa Intl Airport. We always parked at Fine Airport Parking when traveling before. Since Eddie can't get on a normal shuttle bus, I tried to figure every angle on the departure/arrival gates, loading and unloading. So, FYI, the actual airport parking facility is run by American Parking (find them online). They have some shuttles with wheelchair lifts. I have their phone number, and was told to call when I pulled into the lot, and they would have the special shuttle pick us up within five minutes. That's great! It's even better that I found an online coupon for $1/day off the regular rate (and that's good for anyone ... not just disabled).

Getting close

Time has not flown by, but we've kept very busy finalizing preparations for the trip.

There was a bit of confusion/frustration on my part this week when I tried to pre-arrange wheelchair accomodations at the Frankfort Rail station (adjacent to the airport) using their online request form. The last portion of the trip is by rail... about an hour from Frankfort to Cologne. Lufthansa booked it all, and supplied me with an official itinerary with all the details.

I thought I was being extremely competent and feeling smug because I had researched the rail line and even printed off their online request (for special services). I then filled the paper form in by hand, being very careful to note the arrival/departure stations, times, seat numbers etc. and set it aside. Then, on Friday I copied over the information to the real online form and sent it off, thinking they would be waiting with open arms to assist in getting the wheelchair onboard when we arrived.

Much to my surprise, I received an email asking for additional information. What?? So I reiterated the info, including seat numbers again. I even reserched the train we're traveling on (Inter-City Express). Uh oh, another email telling me seats 02J/02K were not correct for the ICE! So, I re-checked the itinerary, and it showed, yes, 02J/02K seats. In a panic, I phoned Lufstansa and asked if we had rail tickets confirmed. Of course, they said. She checked their records and told me the rail car number (not on the itinerary), and seat assignments of 16 and 18. (you can see the confusion and frustration here, right?).

Yet another email to Bahn rail with that info, and finally... a confirmation! I'm sure they are checking their calendars and watches right now, anticipating our arrival....LOL. Seriously, that was a relief. Humbling too. And teaches me not to be so smug. I'm a pessimist, so think that no matter how much pre-arranging I do, something will take a turn, and we'll just deal with it when it comes along.

So many have told me that we are on their prayer lists, both individuals and groups. We are blessed to have many prayer warriors working to make this trip go well. My co-worker Bob's wife phoned him today and asked to speak with me, then prayed with me over the phone, insisting the Holy Spirit will guide us through this. OK, that was the second time I cried today. Then, sweet sister-in-law emailed to let us know the Monday Night Sister's group is working for us too. That's the third time I teared up. It's so touching to realize how many people love and care for us. I guess getting down to the wire is making me a bit emotional. That's okay for today. Come Friday, I'll be all business!

Just ten days more.

Ten days until we fly out of Oklahoma. We're ready to begin the countdown. Not much happening right now except last minute shopping, laundry and dry cleaning to get ready for the trip.

As a side note, Eddie and I drove to the OKC MDA Clinic for his semi-annual check up last week. The Clinic is awesome. They treat him very well. I told him that a bride doesn't get that much attention on her wedding day. He doesn't just get his 15 minutes of fame, but an hour or so with several different specialists.

I'd inquired about a piece of equipment called a "cough assist". Eddie doesn't have problems eating food, but gets choked occassionally on liquids, and he doesn't cough with enough force to catch his breath and clear his throat. The clinic is sending an inhalation therapist to the house (possibly before our trip) to fit him with the cough assist, and a Bi-pap machine (excuse the spelling, here at our house, I'm not the one with the medical training). That's the equipment for night time use of people with sleep apnea. Eddie doesn't have apnea, but the dr. thinks it will be of benefit since his lung strength has decreased since the last check up.

I also inquired about a text-to-speech device since it's getting more difficult to understand his speech patterns. We have an appointment with a speech pathologist this week to see what they recommend. The inhalation therapist will come to the house, but there are (apparently) many different devices on the market for speech augmentation, and they can't haul them all over here... thus we go to them. The speech pathologist will evaluate his current needs and anticipate his future needs, then make a recommendation on what will work best for him. The technology for these devices is so advanced that it's amazing.

That's all for now. I'll check in before we leave on Oct. 16th!