Well, first, apologies for not updating yesterday, but we didn't get home until late yesterday, and then I had to go out again to pick up the paramobile. Fortunately the United crew were willing to just hang out until I came back with the truck and they lifted it up and put it in the back of the truck. All-in-all, United Air Lines went way out of their way to make this trip back to San Diego spectacular.

The trip up to Livermore had some bumps and some difficulties associated with it. For example, they "lost" the paragolfer for a short while, once we landed at SFO. As it turned out, it was simply a break down in communications, and they really never lost it, just that for some reason they took their time in getting it out to the baggage area. Once we had the unit back up on the truck we were running smoothly again. When we left San Diego we were escorted up to, and through security, where we were allowed to move up to the front and brought through quickly. When we came back down, from SFO we again were escorted through a TSA security area, only this one was a bit more isolated, and it felt like it was probably where some of the "special" passengers got to go. Of course, Jason and I were beginning to feel very special by the time we had gotten this far.

When we first arrived at the airport, all the players were there waiting for us. One person in particular, LeeAnn (probably spelling her name wrong) from the USO was coordinating everything, or at least it seemed that way. I brought the paragolfer over to a special gate where they picked it up and had TSA do an inspection of it right there. I assisted where I needed to, and it all went very smoothly. They had some questions and I answered them as best I could, then we went into the terminal. When we went into the terminal we were escorted through a different area, where I had not ever seen before, and it didn't have too many people there anyway. Like I said, Jason and I were beginning to feel like celebrities, or dignitaries or something. A really cool part of it was that Linda was able to come along with us, and we had lots of assistance getting through security. Even one of the TSA agents stayed with us for most of the way to the gate. When we got through to about where the gate was, we found out that we were very early, so we were allowed to head over the United lounge area where Jason could get out of the chair and just lay back and be more comfortable. Again, Linda was with us the entire time. We enjoyed some drinks and snacks and then when the time was right we moved on to the gate. Actually, we hadn't known what our gate was up to that point, so we only had an 'idea' where we were going. We go to the airplane and I helped Jason get to his seat and this time the seats were actually a little bigger. I was still able to get the belt around it, but it was just barely able to fit. Again, they allowed Linda to come down the ramp to the plane, so she could say good bye to us, and that was probably the toughest part of the entire trip. She didn't want us to go, and we really didn't want to leave her behind, but it is what we had to do, and then we were off.

We landed at San Diego and again waited for everyone to get off the plane before we could get off. It was actually kind of funny with the way the crew was wanting to help us, and they were almost tripping over each other, but we managed to get off the plane okay, and then all our baggage was simply waiting there for us. The Marines brought one of their buses and we could get Jason's power chair on the bus, but no the paragolfer, so that is why I had to come back with the truck to pick it up. Stephanie S., one of the supervisors there, made sure we had help getting the machine on the truck.

Today, started off a little rough, as Jason apparently miscalculated the number of pain meds he was going to need, and ran out before we came back. This morning it was really beginning to have an impact on how well he was feeling, as well as how well he was able to sleep last night. He was able to call in and get the Rx called in for him and then I took off to go pick them up. Once I had the meds back to him it took about two hours for him to start feeling a little better, so he decided to take a shower. He then said he was hungry and then once he had something to eat he really fell asleep and has slept most of the day. I was able to do some cleaning around the house, and got some things put away, then I just kicked back and had a very nice relaxing day.

Tomorrow we step into the routine again, and then we'll be moving forward again. I've had a couple of conversations with some of the doctors, and they would like to have a conference call with Jason, when he is up to it, so I'll do my best to get that done tomorrow. I am feeling positive about the future, and about the treatments for Jason, so all I can do is ask that you continue to pray for us, and thank you for all the prayer and support you have been sending. Take care and stay positive.

Comments

  1. Jason and family...I too was on the United flight to San Diego....I sat directly across from you on the plane. While waiting to board the plane, I noticed a lot of commotion but didn't understand the reasoning behind it. I heard something about the military but wasn't sure as to specifics. Once I boarded, I realized I was sitting directly across from you, your dad and your amazing dog. I was immediately affected by the situation. My first instinct was to give you a giant hug to thank you for what you have sacrificed to keep me and my family safe. I was afraid. I was afraid to make a spectacle. Beyond that, during the flight I was deep in thought...thinking about what you have sacrificed...what you have lived through...how you have had the strength to get through all that you have. How I take everything for granted. I have never been directly affected by the war. I've grown up hearing about it but have ever known any real tragedy personally. Being so close to you brought it home. You have impacted my life beyond what you can imagine. From yesterday's random encounter I have realized not to sweat any of the superficial stuff and to be thankful everyday of what you and so many have done to make me and my family safe. I thank you today and always. You are amazing as is the love you and your family share.

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  2. Didn't really expect you to post anything last night. Knew it was going to be a long day for both of you!
    Know that you're always in my thoughts and prayers!
    Psalms 27:7-9 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
    My email address

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January 2017

January 2017
Jason gets a visit from Gen. Jon Monett

January 2017

January 2017
With Gary at the GSF Office

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