May 2, 2015
Yesterday was a special day, as we picked up the girls from school at about 12:30 (it was an early release day) and then we got all packed up to head up to the Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrook. We had been given tickets to the Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias show at the Pala Casino/Hotel & Spa (found out the two are not connected). The show was great and we had a wonderful time. The tickets to the show were as a result of the Gary Sinise Foundation contacting the Casino/Hotel and getting tickets - and since the show was already sold out, it was especially cool that they made them available. We had four seats, being me, Linda, Jason and Cristin, our friend from the Gary Sinise Foundation (Cristin and Jason really get along well). We were given VIP treatment and escorted to our seats, and as the show was ending we were given some gifts from Fluffy. The hospitality shown to us was above and beyond or expectations, and we'll keep our eyes open to see if there is any other shows we might want to go see.
Now, on the other hand, at the Pala Mesa Resort, about 15 minutes away, in Fallbrook, and our stay there was not quite so good. The room we were given, for Jason was ADA, by definition, but some of the accommodations were challenging, at best. Jason normally gets into his bed from the side, as it is easier for him to maneuver and get comfortable. With this room he could only get on at the foot of the bed, as his chair would not fit along the side. I attempted to move the bed and found it was secured in place, so no moving. The roll-in shower had just enough room for his chair for him to get to the shower, and then he was unable to maneuver to get to the bench, without some serious reaching on his part. Fortunately he has big and strong arms. Also, with the shower, the water pressure was low, very low, and it was again another challenge to effectively get clean. Now, the bed it self was less than wonderfully comfortable, and finally the A/C of the room remained on all the time and the room remained moderately warm. The temperature wouldn't have been much of an issue for most of us, but for Jason it is a bigger issue, since he still has challenges moderating body temperature. This morning I asked him how he slept and he said he thinks he might have gotten four hours.
I took this to the hotel staff and they effectively didn't seem to care and only said that next year they were going to be renovating the hotel. I even attempted to draw them a picture of how a minor change would make a big difference, and they just smiled and said thank you, as I walked away with that drawing. I seriously doubt that we will be ever staying there again, or recommending them to any of our friends who might come up to visit us, in Fallbrook. Yes, it isn't very far from Jason's new house. I did mention it to the Casino/Hotel, via email today, though I don't know if they are connected.
We left at about 09:00 this morning, feeling tired and hungry. Fortunately the girls were spending the evening with Anthony and Angelica, so we didn't have to worry about them, through all of this. We went directly to Anthony and Angelica's house, in Ocean Side, and they were having a great time and everyone seemed in good spirits. The van was again loaded up and we headed for Point Loma. Traffic wasn't bad and we got back down here in just a little over 30 minutes. We got the van unloaded and parked and then Jason took off to go visit Kojak.
The good news is that Kojak is doing much better, and will probably be coming home on Monday. Kojak has really started to connect with Jason, and each of the visits by Jason has shown that Kojak likes to be with him, and today's visit he showed the most activity so far, also a good sign that he is feeling better. We have gone through and did a major cleaning of the environment and made sure all his bedding is new and clean. We are all anxious to have him back home.
The rest of the day has been relaxed and calm. Linda and I (and even Jason) got to take a nap, about the same time the girls took their naps. It was very refreshing to have the short nap, as I got up before the girls did. A little while later, while I was finishing the Giants baseball game, Jackie came out and wanted to play with me (I hope some, or all, of you got to see the Giants game, as it ended in a very unusual way, so if you haven't seen it, check it out). After about 30 minutes Jackie wanted to go up to see Grandma, so I let her, and she headed up stairs and woke Grandma.
Not much else happened tonight, other than some good old fashion relaxing, Tomorrow we will be attempting to get back into our regular Sunday routine, and then cruse into another great week. I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday, and that your week, next week, is a great one. Thank you, for all the continued support and prayers. Take care and stay positive.
Now, on the other hand, at the Pala Mesa Resort, about 15 minutes away, in Fallbrook, and our stay there was not quite so good. The room we were given, for Jason was ADA, by definition, but some of the accommodations were challenging, at best. Jason normally gets into his bed from the side, as it is easier for him to maneuver and get comfortable. With this room he could only get on at the foot of the bed, as his chair would not fit along the side. I attempted to move the bed and found it was secured in place, so no moving. The roll-in shower had just enough room for his chair for him to get to the shower, and then he was unable to maneuver to get to the bench, without some serious reaching on his part. Fortunately he has big and strong arms. Also, with the shower, the water pressure was low, very low, and it was again another challenge to effectively get clean. Now, the bed it self was less than wonderfully comfortable, and finally the A/C of the room remained on all the time and the room remained moderately warm. The temperature wouldn't have been much of an issue for most of us, but for Jason it is a bigger issue, since he still has challenges moderating body temperature. This morning I asked him how he slept and he said he thinks he might have gotten four hours.
I took this to the hotel staff and they effectively didn't seem to care and only said that next year they were going to be renovating the hotel. I even attempted to draw them a picture of how a minor change would make a big difference, and they just smiled and said thank you, as I walked away with that drawing. I seriously doubt that we will be ever staying there again, or recommending them to any of our friends who might come up to visit us, in Fallbrook. Yes, it isn't very far from Jason's new house. I did mention it to the Casino/Hotel, via email today, though I don't know if they are connected.
We left at about 09:00 this morning, feeling tired and hungry. Fortunately the girls were spending the evening with Anthony and Angelica, so we didn't have to worry about them, through all of this. We went directly to Anthony and Angelica's house, in Ocean Side, and they were having a great time and everyone seemed in good spirits. The van was again loaded up and we headed for Point Loma. Traffic wasn't bad and we got back down here in just a little over 30 minutes. We got the van unloaded and parked and then Jason took off to go visit Kojak.
The good news is that Kojak is doing much better, and will probably be coming home on Monday. Kojak has really started to connect with Jason, and each of the visits by Jason has shown that Kojak likes to be with him, and today's visit he showed the most activity so far, also a good sign that he is feeling better. We have gone through and did a major cleaning of the environment and made sure all his bedding is new and clean. We are all anxious to have him back home.
The rest of the day has been relaxed and calm. Linda and I (and even Jason) got to take a nap, about the same time the girls took their naps. It was very refreshing to have the short nap, as I got up before the girls did. A little while later, while I was finishing the Giants baseball game, Jackie came out and wanted to play with me (I hope some, or all, of you got to see the Giants game, as it ended in a very unusual way, so if you haven't seen it, check it out). After about 30 minutes Jackie wanted to go up to see Grandma, so I let her, and she headed up stairs and woke Grandma.
Not much else happened tonight, other than some good old fashion relaxing, Tomorrow we will be attempting to get back into our regular Sunday routine, and then cruse into another great week. I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday, and that your week, next week, is a great one. Thank you, for all the continued support and prayers. Take care and stay positive.
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| Jason, Cristin, Linda, George at the Fluffy performance |
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| Jason and Cristin having a good time. |
Always here praying!
ReplyDeletePsalms 94:17-19 Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.