May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves...May 2008 Repo Thread...Part 12

[PlutosMom]

DH just finished changing our flight times and it took him an hour & a half on the phone. We originally booked on Orbitz, which put us on Northwest to Orlando and on Continental for the return from Los Angeles. Well, Continental cancelled our original flight and put us on one leaving LA at 8:00 am. Ummmm, that won't work folks. They didn't even notify us of the change. I guess we would have found out when we checked in for our flight on May 9 or maybe when we missed our flight home. We only found out about the change by accident when DH was checking on another flight for work. He went round and round with first Orbitz, then Northwest, then Continental, and 90 short minutes later we have a flight home.

With all the recent airline bankruptcies, cancelled flights, etc. I'll be breathing easier when we finally arrive in Orlando.

Amesmom - it's PlutosMom here in Ankeny. HI!!! I'm guessing we were (originally) on the same Continental flight out of LAX and when checking our flights (about a month ago) we found they'd bumped us to the 8am flight - and hadn't bothered to tell us !!!! With you on the hour + to get it resolved - geesh. Had to get a refund from Continental and booked with United out of SNA (John Wayne Airport). Then Continential didn't release our credit card refund for weeks, so more checking up!! Anyway, glad to hear you're good to go now!! Lacy

 

[gydell]

Oh stop.. I may be broke, but I'll call and use my attorney skills to get you out of it!

Ok that's good - I don't have a lawyer so you are appointed!

 

[katypop]

Hi everyone . . .

Another night just getting home from the hospital. It was a very long day of ups and downs. Both Amy and I are absolutely exhausted and drained.

We started out with Manuel taking a serious turn for the worse. It did not look like my brother in the hospital bed when I saw him this morning at 6:50, and after calling all the family, and running to the office for just a few things, I went back to the hospital. We had a long conversation with the doctor in charge, and because of how bad his condition had become, we agreed to a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate). He kept going downhill, and the doctor told us that if he were not only 42, they would have advised the family to give up by now. He also quoted a Latin phrase to us, where there is breath there is hope, and it was in God's hands now. His blood pressure had almost bottomed, his heart rate was up, and he was once again running a fever, and bleeding.

The nurse and the doctor kept pumping fluids and blood into him, and hoping for the best. The surgeon came and cleaned the wound again and tried to find the source of bleeding.

We had resigned ourselves to losing him, and decided that it was time for his most beloved students to have the opportunity to see him and have some closure if they wanted to. Thus began a long parade of wonderful kids telling him how much they loved him and needed him. Black, white, middle class and poor, they came to give him their love.

Over these days I have heard many stories that have both surprised and comforted me. How he gave two women $100 to buy a young man suitable dress clothes for the state speech tournament. How he gave each kid at state $50 out of his own pocket to spend at the state speech tournament. How he paid for one of his poorer students Prom dresses so she could have a nice dress for the prom. And how he brought a young, shy, and friendless African American boy out of his shell to become a State Speech qualifier.

I told them all how much he loved them, and how my mom always taught us that children came first. Since he had no natural children of his own, they were his children.

Each one of them came and cried and tried to comfort him at his bedside. By afternoon, he miraculously started to turn around and his numbers all got better. When I left tonight, his blood pressure, although aided by medication, was where it should be, and while he still had a fever, his chances had improved. So I left him with hope.

I truly believe the prayers and love of those children have let him live another day. I am overwhelmed and awed by what transpired, and have greater faith in the power of human hope and love with God's grace.

Good night everyone, felt I owed you an update, one that helps me cope too.

I hardly know what to say. You have all had an exceptional day, with lows and then highs Hope you get some rest and that Manuel continues to improve. It's amazing the impact that one life can have on so many others. Sending prayers .
Kathe

 

[luv2cruzsus]

I just hope they get in touch with him!

Did you get a receipt from the machine?

 

[figment52]

John sending more prayers your way during this stressful and draining time.

more prayers John and Amy

 

[KrisannB]

Hi everyone . . .

Another night just getting home from the hospital. It was a very long day of ups and downs. Both Amy and I are absolutely exhausted and drained.


Good night everyone, felt I owed you an update, one that helps me cope too.

Prayers are with you - before, now and in the days to come.

 

[gaylean93]

The notebook was/is awesome! I love that movie....

Was it good? I heard it was really sad so I didn't watch it.

 

[luv2cruzsus]

Hi everyone . . .

Another night just getting home from the hospital. It was a very long day of ups and downs. Both Amy and I are absolutely exhausted and drained.

We started out with Manuel taking a serious turn for the worse. It did not look like my brother in the hospital bed when I saw him this morning at 6:50, and after calling all the family, and running to the office for just a few things, I went back to the hospital. We had a long conversation with the doctor in charge, and because of how bad his condition had become, we agreed to a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate). He kept going downhill, and the doctor told us that if he were not only 42, they would have advised the family to give up by now. He also quoted a Latin phrase to us, where there is breath there is hope, and it was in God's hands now. His blood pressure had almost bottomed, his heart rate was up, and he was once again running a fever, and bleeding.

The nurse and the doctor kept pumping fluids and blood into him, and hoping for the best. The surgeon came and cleaned the wound again and tried to find the source of bleeding.

We had resigned ourselves to losing him, and decided that it was time for his most beloved students to have the opportunity to see him and have some closure if they wanted to. Thus began a long parade of wonderful kids telling him how much they loved him and needed him. Black, white, middle class and poor, they came to give him their love.

Over these days I have heard many stories that have both surprised and comforted me. How he gave two women $100 to buy a young man suitable dress clothes for the state speech tournament. How he gave each kid at state $50 out of his own pocket to spend at the state speech tournament. How he paid for one of his poorer students Prom dresses so she could have a nice dress for the prom. And how he brought a young, shy, and friendless African American boy out of his shell to become a State Speech qualifier.

I told them all how much he loved them, and how my mom always taught us that children came first. Since he had no natural children of his own, they were his children.

Each one of them came and cried and tried to comfort him at his bedside. By afternoon, he miraculously started to turn around and his numbers all got better. When I left tonight, his blood pressure, although aided by medication, was where it should be, and while he still had a fever, his chances had improved. So I left him with hope.

I truly believe the prayers and love of those children have let him live another day. I am overwhelmed and awed by what transpired, and have greater faith in the power of human hope and love with God's grace.

Good night everyone, felt I owed you an update, one that helps me cope too.

You and your brother are in our thoughts every day. I placed his name in our prayer book at church on Sunday. None of us knows what the plan is, but how awesome is it that these youngsters are so caring and loving. We can only hope that it stays with them and they too try to lead a life like Manuels so they too can be as loved as he is. It is quite a tribute to him. Here's hoping he continues to improve and will be able to be in awe at how these kids feel about him.

 

[gaylean93]

Crowne Plaza Resort
ANAHEIM-GARDEN GROVE
12021 HARBOR BLVD
GARDEN GROVE, CA 92840 UNITED STATES
Hotel Front Desk: 1-714-8675555 | Hotel Fax: 1-714-8675100

Thanks for adding that it was in the US, very helpful!

 

[Mom323]

Evening all. Sorry I have been MIA.

I had to work a 12 hour yesterday and then my MIL came for a 4 day visit.
I have only a few moments to say Hi and then off to bed and another busy day tomorrow.


COrk

 

[pjpoohbear]

John, nothing I can say, just know that my thoughts continues to be you and the family.

Pj

 

[gaylean93]

I'd love to play outside, but we might not be able to get a table. Most likely inside in one of the bars would work if there is nothing going on....

Do you think I could call and arrange something? If so where do I call?

 

[woody73]

Several of the original posters had to cancel for one reason or another.

We know one family who decided to cancel because before our May 2007 DISmeet at Storytellers, the wife posted that she did not want photos of her kids posted on the DIS boards. Apparently, some people could not agree.

We and others still on this cruise had cruised with them in 2006, and they are the nicest people one could ever hope to meet. It was very sad to see them cancel.

Woody

 

[TammyAlphabet]

Hi everyone . . .

Another night just getting home from the hospital. It was a very long day of ups and downs. Both Amy and I are absolutely exhausted and drained.

We started out with Manuel taking a serious turn for the worse. It did not look like my brother in the hospital bed when I saw him this morning at 6:50, and after calling all the family, and running to the office for just a few things, I went back to the hospital. We had a long conversation with the doctor in charge, and because of how bad his condition had become, we agreed to a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate). He kept going downhill, and the doctor told us that if he were not only 42, they would have advised the family to give up by now. He also quoted a Latin phrase to us, where there is breath there is hope, and it was in God's hands now. His blood pressure had almost bottomed, his heart rate was up, and he was once again running a fever, and bleeding.

The nurse and the doctor kept pumping fluids and blood into him, and hoping for the best. The surgeon came and cleaned the wound again and tried to find the source of bleeding.

We had resigned ourselves to losing him, and decided that it was time for his most beloved students to have the opportunity to see him and have some closure if they wanted to. Thus began a long parade of wonderful kids telling him how much they loved him and needed him. Black, white, middle class and poor, they came to give him their love.

Over these days I have heard many stories that have both surprised and comforted me. How he gave two women $100 to buy a young man suitable dress clothes for the state speech tournament. How he gave each kid at state $50 out of his own pocket to spend at the state speech tournament. How he paid for one of his poorer students Prom dresses so she could have a nice dress for the prom. And how he brought a young, shy, and friendless African American boy out of his shell to become a State Speech qualifier.

I told them all how much he loved them, and how my mom always taught us that children came first. Since he had no natural children of his own, they were his children.

Each one of them came and cried and tried to comfort him at his bedside. By afternoon, he miraculously started to turn around and his numbers all got better. When I left tonight, his blood pressure, although aided by medication, was where it should be, and while he still had a fever, his chances had improved. So I left him with hope.

I truly believe the prayers and love of those children have let him live another day. I am overwhelmed and awed by what transpired, and have greater faith in the power of human hope and love with God's grace.

Good night everyone, felt I owed you an update, one that helps me cope too.

I know you must be totally devastated and worried beyond belief. I am praying for his health.

 

[gaylean93]

We know one family who decided to cancel because before our May 2007 DISmeet at Storytellers, the wife posted that she did not want photos of her kids posted on the DIS boards. Apparently, some people could not agree.

We and others still on this cruise had cruised with them in 2006, and they are the nicest people one could ever hope to meet. It was very sad to see them cancel.

Woody

Someone posted pictures of their kids? It just seems strange because we didn't tell anyone not to post our pictures yet there isn't any of us on the ship of thieves page.

 

[gaylean93]

Crowne Plaza Resort
ANAHEIM-GARDEN GROVE
12021 HARBOR BLVD
GARDEN GROVE, CA 92840 UNITED STATES
Hotel Front Desk: 1-714-8675555 | Hotel Fax: 1-714-8675100

What time is check-in? It isn't on their site.

 

[taysmom]

I have never tried it either but Jon's aunt brought him some from Cuba as well so he'll have one ever now and then and it doesn't bother me. But he does hide from the kids so it is anywhere near the house.

I like a good cigar too every now and then..dip the tip in a little cognac...even better. There's a great cigar bar in denver, I had a good time there a couple of years ago. But, it's a rare occurance and I totally do it when my daguhter is no where around.

 

[Tigger1221]

How close is the nearest Target? Maybe you could transfer.

I work at the only Super Target. I live closer to a regular Target but would have to take a pay cut.

Ok... ALL guesses aside... my SPECIAL Guest for this cruise has finally arrived!!!!! ​

Some of you thought it would be the Tag Fairy...(but I bet he or she isn't this cute or starred in his very own TR's!!!!! ​

He is a celebrity in his own right here on the boards... has a dedicated following ​

AND they wanted him on the EB voyage too... ​

but I got him FIRST!!!! ​

​

​

​

For anyone who is a big fan of Brenda's (oybolshoi) Trip reports and if you haven't read them...then you are missing out BIG TIME!!! You should recognize him right away... (and for the few on this trip who already know... SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! at least until I post his picture... )

I'm going to need some help with this!!! I am going to be doing a TR featuring JUST him!!!! I have some ideas already but I am open to just about anything... Brenda said I am allowed to handle him anyway I see fit... JUST DON'T DROWN HIM!!!

(and I'm gonna leave you hanging until he and WE get back from dinner!!!)

I know who it is and am very excited!!!! I haven't even told DH yet guess he will find out at dinner huh?

 

[taysmom]

I will undoubtedly leave someone off this list, but thank you for all the little & big things you are doing to make this special trip even more special:

PJ - website designer and keeper of all relevant and irrelevant info.
Linda - The woman who knows people, for organizing group photos and preparing our mini-navigators, and holding our scrapbooking class
Calmom - Organizing fish extender teams (and offering to do so even when she thought she was going to have to cancel the trip. )
Deb - Organizing the Champagne Girls
Karen - Planning our tasting. Can't believe she won't be joining us. We'll raise a glass in your honor.
Edna Mode and the Lanyard Team
Carol - Maker of finest fish extenders on the seas
All the Fish Gift Teams
Ken - Magnet designer
Laura - our thread starter for getting us all started on this journey

Taysmom - A personal thank you in advance for not complaining to everyone about your lousy stateroom neighbors (and my apologies in advance for anything my boys do)

All the rest of you for making me laugh at least once a day and getting me excited about this cruise.

So sorry if I left anyone off the list. Oh, the list! Thanks to our master listmaker Liserann.

I should thank you in advance for my obnoxious daughter and anything she might whine about with boys next door!

 

[gaylean93]

I like a good cigar too every now and then..dip the tip in a little cognac...even better. There's a great cigar bar in denver, I had a good time there a couple of years ago. But, it's a rare occurance and I totally do it when my daguhter is no where around.

So kids club during cigar night?