Indiana...

Three weeks ago my beautiful baby sister had her first baby...in Indiana. I really wanted to be with my sister during this time, in fact there are very few things that I've ever wanted more. However, because of Gracelyn I was nervous about flying alone, seeing that my parents were already there. We'd been instructed to put Grace back on oxygen whenever she flies. That didn't excite me. I can't keep a bow on her head, let alone tubes blowing air up her nose. My dear friend called to ask how the delivery went and asked when I was leaving. I told her I was afraid to fly alone and that we couldn't afford to fly our family there. My friend's brother flies a lot for work. She told me we could possibly get buddy passes and asked if I wanted her to look into it. Why not? I gave her a budget and dates and she got right on it. After talking with Delta and her brother she came to my house with the bill and the itinerary. $37! That was it. Her generous brother gave us miles to get the whole family there. He even got Gracelyn her own seat so that she was comfortable, having to carry the O2 concentrator and all. All I had to pay was $37 in fees. Really?!? Over the last few years I have lost a lot of faith in people and their kindness and integrity. Unfortunately, it has taken me having a sick baby to realize that the world still is full of so many generous people who truly care and are filled with the pure love of Christ. I really have so many of them in my life. They know who they are and I am grateful to them all.

Back to Indiana... We had a week to get things together and board our flight. It was a little trickier that I thought. We had to arrange O2, they require a months notice to get one of the FAA concentrators rented. When I called it happened to be available. Next I needed to get the doctor to look her over and sign a statement with a description of what her diagnosis is, the amount of liters she requires and get it faxed. We had to find a way to and from the airport...Thanks to my brother for help with that!! We had originally planned to kennel our dog, but Jeff changed his mind... His sweet sister helped with taking care of him every day and keeping an eye on our house...Thanks Val! We couldn't have done it without you! I had to get a medical history typed up. That took some time, but it something that I have needed to do for a while. I had to get a car rented. Enterprise was wonderful to help out with the cost! I explained the situation to them and I ended up getting a BRAND NEW van less than what a small compact car would have cost. Hardest thing to do was to keep it from everyone. I didn't want anyone to know we were going, with exception of my brother-on-law. I thought I'd better get permission before just showing up to their house.

We got everything arranged and headed to the airport. We thought it would be a good idea to get the tender grips and O2 on Grace early. I didn't want to put it on on the plane and have her melt down mid take off. Ends up it was a good plan. She cried the whole way to the airport. We got checked in without any problems at all. In fact, Delta was great! We had a lot to get on the plane...stroller, car seats, O2, carry-ons, 2 kids...but we made it. Quite easily actually. Then we were ready to take off. At one point I told Jeff I wanted to put the oxygen on me. It is only a 3 hour flight, but I was nervous about Gracelyn. I think I packed about 1700 suckers just because I knew from the doctors office that they would keep her happy and more importantly quiet. I've said it before, but my kids never let me down. When I need them to behave the most they always pull through for me. They were both great! Didn't even need ONE sucker.
We landed and headed to our hotel. We got in late and I didn't want to show up on the doorstep at 1 a.m. in dirty airplane clothes. I was able to priceline a really nice hotel room by the airport for $30!This is what Mr. C imagined them to look like when they saw him. The next morning we got up and headed to W.g. Grinders! Grinders is a restaurant that we use to own in Layton/Clearfield. We couldn't be so close to one with out stopping there. We were so excited. It tasted wonderful!Then to my sister's house. As we were coming around the corner I text my mom to see if she wanted to Skype us. She said they had just left on a walk. BLAH! She said to give them an hour or so. Now what? They ruined our plans! I knew the area from visiting last fall. I told Jeff I could find them. We drove for a minute and came right up on them. We didn't know what to do. Mr. C decided he wanted Jeff and I to hide while he rang the doorbell. So, we decided to mess with them. We stalked them for a bit. We drove past them five times and even got a few pictures to prove it to them. He he! So fun! Finally they turned around and we headed back. We parked where we could see them coming back. Once they were back we pulled around the corner and waited for them to go inside. They never did. Finally I thought I would mess with my mom and ask if they were back yet. She responded to turn on Skype. They decided to sit out side and skype. Time for a new plan. None of the yards have fences, so we decided to go through the neighbor's yard and have Mr. C walk up to the door. This was our response....I was convinced they knew we were coming, but by the reaction I'm pretty sure it was a surprise!

Indiana is beautiful this time of year. I really had no desire or reason to return. We had a great week being with my parents, sister and her beautiful new baby. She is absolutely beautiful and I am so happy to get be her aunt. It was great to watch my sister become a mom and finally know what it is that I feel for my kids. I love them all so much and I miss and need them so bad it hurts some days. It's nice to have someone who knows me, who I truly am, and my sister, like my mom, really understands me. She knows my intentions and my sincerity. To be around her just felt great!

I can never repay those who arranged for me to have such a great opportunity. Never have I had someone do something so kind for me and my family. Thank you Mark! Thank you for your kindness! I pray Heavenly Father will bless you and help you find those things you may be in need of. Your generosity will NEVER be forgotten.