Large Expenses 2006--jinx!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Large Expenses 2006--jinx!
22
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

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 02-01-2006 - 9:17pm

My prayers for you and your family. I did wonder if you could borrow one of those car seat/stroller combo's? I don't mean the infant seats that fit on a stroller but I've seen these where they have a handle that comes out of the back and little wheels that go down so you could have the child in the carseat and then turn it into a stroller for moving through terminals. I've seen these some when we're traveling. I don't know if you do freecycle but that might be a way to get a hold of one quickly.

Taleyna

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2006
Wed, 02-01-2006 - 10:35pm
Heather,
Have a safe flight. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Pam

Proud sister of a Marine:

Photobucket

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 02-01-2006 - 10:50pm

Thanks again, everyone... but now there's been another change in plans. My Aunt and Mom both think I should wait a bit, because although he's showing every sign of passing any minute, he is very strong physically and has already outlasted their initial expectations. So I'm going to wait at least another day, and probably leave on Friday... back in limbo again...

Anyway, thanks again for all the support and thoughts and sympathy. Ya'll are the best.

Avatar for skthurber
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 02-01-2006 - 11:19pm

Hi Heather. So sorry to hear about your grandpa. About the carseat thing- I was just reading in my parents of multiples newsletter about a couple with triplets who flew with their kids to Mexico. (Ok, I thought that they were a little nuts, but I was intrigued.) The article talked about a wheeled bag that the carseat fit into so they could lug the things (times three) around the airports and through customs. I *think* that this was just a duffel bag on wheels and not a bag made specifically for car seats. Anyway, the people in the article pushed 3 kids in strollers, wheeled 3 carseats, and each carried a backpack. Maybe you could borrow/buy a wheeled duffel bag. (You could always use it for travel when you don't have to haul carseats.) My twins will be 2 on the 28th, and we have not flown with them yet. I can only imagine the *joy* that awaits you in traveling with 2 little ones. Good luck and safe travels.

-Sarah

Sarah


Mom to Gina & Tony


 


Avatar for cl_beckymk
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 02-02-2006 - 11:13am
Just wanted to give you a cyber hug.

Becky mom to


Carolyn (6th), Aaron (3rd), Kyle (Kindie), Luke (2)


CL to

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 02-02-2006 - 12:14pm

It's all settled now. Grandpa passed on last night around 9:45. I am flying out in the morning. And my entire cost is less than the lowest amount I had planned for in our budget, so I'm happy about that.

I've been crying off and on this morning, and torn up about this and that, but I'm feeling much more at peace now. It's nice to have it all settled. I wrote a poem about Grandpa that I'll share at his interrment. Everything's gonna be okay.

Thanks SOOO much for all the support here. You all are the best.

Blessings,

Heather

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-25-2003
Thu, 02-02-2006 - 2:37pm
I'm so sorry about your grandfather. I'll be thinking of your family.
Avatar for mymartes
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 02-02-2006 - 3:06pm

So sorry for your lost.

MYM

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-23-2005
Thu, 02-02-2006 - 4:05pm
Heather-
So sorry for the loss of your grandpa. I know it's gotta be hard. My prayers go out to you and I wish you a safe trip with your little ones :).
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Thu, 02-02-2006 - 5:05pm
Hi, Heather. Just read your recent post. I am send you condolences (prayers) and positive thoughts, and that you have a safe flight. Ideas: 1)Plastic baggie with Tylenol, face-wipes, gum, lollipops,kleenex, etc. Some airports dont sell gum, so this proved to be handy. 2)Buy water and Crystal Light packets. Helped with thirst. 3)Change of clothes, underwear, travel-size toiletries in a small carry-on bag. Why? How I WISH I had packed a change of clothes when luggage got sent to another city (for a day!) Instead, SIL and I had to go shopping late at night at Walmart so I could have clean clothes, underwear, etc.! 4)Earplugs to help with popping of ears. They have for children, too. 5)Change position/walk frequently to prevent stasis/clots and keep circulation going. 6) Call if you have special needs: dietary restrictions, aisle seats, etc. 7)Traveller's assistance. You have to ask. They have those golf-cart things that zip thru the airport with people sitting on them. 8)Bereavement discount.9)Luggage tags. Target has neon green,orange, etc. Has hidden compartment to hide your personal info. 10)Christine Columbus.com. Women traveller stuff. ID holder that goes around neck for passports, tickets, etc. 11)E-ticket check-in kiosks. A breeze. 12)Weight limits for carry-ons. DH FUMING while I had to shift things around in suitcase at the check-in(and pay extra). 13)The TSA has changed some restrictions. Used to be, no matches, lighters, scissors, files, clippers, etc. 14)Upgrades. Yes, we flew back first class on way back. For a small upgrade fee. Why? I wasnt feeling well, and it was a blessing to have the bathroom close, and extra leg room. 15)Avoid airline food if you can. Grab something to take on board. 16)Jacket (for leg warmth) and those pillow things help too. Wishing you a safe flight. Regards, Whiz.