August 24, 2005 - Getting to California

We had a really good experience this morning flying to Dallas, TX and then to San Jose, CA. Everyone with American Airlines was great! Our arrival at the hotel was somewhat disappointing though. As many of you know, we have been trying to make arrangements to stay at the Ronld McDonald house here. Last week, we were told that they did not have a room for us but that they would give us the names of hotels that would give us a discount until hopefully a room opened up at the Ronald McDonald house. The hotel we initially chose and made a reservation with did not have a microwave or refrigerator in the room or a bath tub like we were originally told they would have. We need this for Erik - especially since we will be here for a while. Anyway, the search of the other hotels was also disappointing. Same issues as before or in an area that did not appear to be quiet or safe like we had hoped. The last on the search was a Hampton Inn in Mountain View, CA which is about 6 minutes from the hospital. They had an opening, a refrigerator, a disabled accessible room available and they were REALLY nice! YEAH! The General Manager was so helpful and even gave us a free night for tonight. So here we are until the Ronald McDonald House has an opening. It could be tomorrow, a few weeks, or not at all when a room opens up. With one of the hotels we went to, there was already a family from the Ronald McDonald house there who is also waiting for a room so who knows how many more may be ahead of us. We have been blessed to have met so many people just today, many of whom will now also be praying for Erik through this experience. We know we are here for a reason and can't wait to see who else God puts in our path. Thanks to all of you who have been lifting us up in prayer today especially. Tomorrow is the pre-op appointment and Friday is the first procedure. The procedure is high risk for Erik so please pray us, the doctors, and nurses through this! Love in Christ, Erik's Family