Large Expenses 2006--jinx!
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| Tue, 01-31-2006 - 10:57pm |
Having just finished typing my response to Danni's Large Expenses post, where I mentioned that one of our planned expenses is a trip for Grandpa's funeral, I ran downstairs to get the phone, and it was Mom calling to say that he is in a coma and expected to pass on in the next few hours or days. So it wasn't the fire drill that ended up really happening to someone after all.
This does not come as a shock, but of course I feel sad about it.
On the financial front, though, it turns out that if I have to make the trip in the next few days, it will actually save me quite a bit of money because I will only have to buy one ticket, not two--my younger son, who will be accompanying me, turns 2 on the 19th of this month, and so until then qualifies for free airfare if he sits in my lap.
I looked at travelocity, and it looks like I may, depending on how things pan out, get plane fare (coast-to-coast) plus rental car for $350. Of course, I won't know until I can actually make reservations, and I hate being in limbo. Not just the financial part, but just the waiting. I would far rather be in California already, waiting at Grandpa's bedside for his spirit to depart, than here in North Carolina waiting for a phone call. I considered flying out there on Thursday and getting to be there instead of here, but Mom said it is important to her that I be there for the funeral, and if I fly out on Thursday and he hangs on for longer than we expect, I might miss the actual funeral. And it's *her* dad, so I feel like I should respect her preference. But I hate being in limbo!!
Anyway, I'm glad Grandpa's moving on. He's been in a bad place for a long time now, and really suffering. I hope his passing will be as peaceful as my husband's grandfather's was last year. Keep us in your thoughts.
Blessings,
Heather

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Heather, I am so sorry this has happened to you and your family!!!! Be careful with the little one in your lap!!!!! :)
HUGS!
~Aravis~
I'm so sorry that you have to deal with this.. I'll be praying for you...
Please be careful putting your little one in your lap...When we flew we paid for the extra seat and put her carseat in... To me the savings wasn't worth not having the peace of mind... Honestly, it isn't advised at all...
Stephanie
Heather,
I am so sorry you are going through this.
But let me also ask this question, have you flown with a 2 year old before? Sometimes its just worth it to pay the extra money and get them their own seat. My daughter is independent enough to say she wants her own seat, and thats a long flight to be fighting with a terrible two over where they are sitting.
Shannon
All my best,
Danni
Heather,
so sorry to hear about your grandpa.
MYM
Thank you all SOOO much for your thoughts and sympathies. It feels really nice to know you care and are thinking of me.
I also appreciate the concerns about taking ds#2 in my lap (as opposed to in his own seat). I am looking into the available safety information and listening for inner/divine guidance on the issue.
I have traveled with a two year old before--it was my first son, and I was five months pregnant with ds #2. It was not fun, and I did have a carseat for him and his own seat. I was very surprised at how little help I was offered along the way--I really expected, as an obviously pregnant woman with a two-year-old in tow, carrying a carry-on with snacks, a carry-on with toys and books, AND lugging a heavy convertible carseat that people would leap out of their way to help. Not only was help not offered, but when I sought help, I had to wait in long lines and eventually didn't get help anyway because it would have taken too long to call a car to come get me and take me to my next gate. So I walked the several miles (felt like miles, anyway) between terminals, with poor tired little Monty tagging along behind and my shoulders loaded down with unwieldy equipment. Not even the airline personnel speeding past with their little wheeled carry-ons stopped to offer a hand. I was astounded.
Anyway, I don't know why I felt like sharing that. I guess besides the money, I'm also worried about a repeat performance, and it is no picnic to carry a toddler convertible seat all over an airport.
But of course, safety is always a critical concern, so I will continue considering it.
Thanks again, for all the thoughts and sympathies. It means a lot.
Blessings,
Heather
Heather, sorry to hear about your Grandpa.
I just wanted to let you know that most airlines offer 1/2 price tickets for children under 2. I did that for my son because we have a very long flight and it was much easier than trying to keep him contained myself. But I know what you mean about getting no help - been there too! Maybe you could get one of the small booster seat type car seats. Just make sure that it is actually a certified booster seat or they won't let him use it. (You can't use a booster seat that you would use at the dinner table, for instance.)
Have a safe and easy flight.
Lisa
Heather,
I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather and hope his passing comes as easily as possible. Take care of yourself at this difficult time and try to enjoy the time with your family when you are there.
Peg
I am leaving tomorrow. Grandpa is not expected to last the night. I hope to be there at least for interrment.
And, thanks to your kind guidance, I have decided to purchase a ticket for Eli as well, so he will be safe. Pray that I have a better experience than the last time (or at least that my flights aren't out of terminals at opposite ends of the airport).
And thank you for all your kind thoughts.
Blessings,
Heather
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