Dear Friends and Family,
During our ordeal, we’ve been forced to make continual adjustments. Almost always, it’s the result of something negative. The changes can be something big or small, like the unexpected lab value that once delayed our hospital discharge, or the very depressing revision to Nancy’s initial diagnosis, or the constantly changing percentage concerning Nancy’s survival.
We’ve learned to “roll with the punches.”
We’ve had no choice.
After learning that leukemia specialist Dr. Fred Appelbaum could “fit us in as soon as we can get there,” I called Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) to see if Nancy might be eligible to fly on an employee pass to Seattle (even though she was on a medical leave of absence). When I reached her supervisor, Melodie, and explained our situation, she said, “I’ll call you right back. I just need to check a few things with the head of HR.”
In less than five minutes, Melodie called back: “Great news! ASA will give you and Nancy positive-space, round-trip, first-class passes. We’re all rooting for Nancy.”
“Positive space” meant we did not have to fly standby as is customary when flying on a pass. “First class” meant comfort. (This rare type of pass is usually reserved for senior executives of the company.) Essentially, ASA offered us free round-trip, first-class tickets to Seattle.
I was more than a little bit relieved. I had frequently worried about the toll the trip might have on Nancy, and this type of pass would make the trip light years easier for her than I had envisioned. I expressed my deepest thanks to Melodie and ASA. It’s humbling to think that people at a large company like ASA, a Delta Airlines affiliate, would show such kindness.
But just a few hours later, I received an even more amazing call from Gil Williams, President of Royal Street Corporation, the parent company of the Deer Valley Resort, where I am the longtime medical director. “Winnie,” he said, “Edgar and Polly want to fly you to Seattle on their plane. They don’t want Nancy in an airport full of germs. They want the trip to be as easy as possible for her. When can you leave?”
I was so overwhelmed it took me a moment to respond. “Gil, are you sure? That seems like too much.”
“I am sure. It’s exactly what Edgar and Polly want for Nancy. Would it be better to leave from the Heber Airport or do you want to leave from the private airport next to Salt Lake International?”
As most of you know, Heber is a small private airport only twenty-five minutes away from Woodland. “I will check with Nancy, but Heber should work really well. Thanks, Gil. And please give Edgar and Polly our heartfelt thanks, too.” Gil then unexpectedly added that Edgar and Polly hoped Nancy felt well enough to spend a few extra days in Seattle: “They’ve told their pilot to bring you home after you’ve had a few days to unwind.”
Not surprisingly, it took an entire day to persuade Nancy to accept the Stern’s kind and generous offer. She thought it far too extravagant, but Nancy finally agreed to make an exception. (I must admit I had to laugh to myself that it took Nancy so long to accept something so positive. But I did guess right: in the end, she decided on Heber.)
Summary: Nancy and I have made an “adjustment” to our Seattle trip plan. Instead of flying commercially, we will be flying in a private jet, an unbelievably generous gift from our friends Edgar and Polly Stern. We continue to be amazed by the kindness of those around us.
So much love,
Winnie