Neysa and I took a short weekend trip with a girl we met through Kelly and Amy. She works at UOP and was in town from Chicago. She invited us to go to Jaipur with her for the weekend. The three of us went with a driver from UOP so we didn't have to pay for the ride. We stayed at Chokhi dhani which is an "ethnic 5 star resort" that was much needed on my part. It was about a 5 hour ride from Apollo to the city of Jaipur. The resort reminded us of Disney Land- an India part of Disney Land. It was very clean, the air was fresh (more so than Dehli for sure) and instead of traffic waking us up we woke to the sound of birds chirping a great breakfast buffet and a massage at the spa. It was wonderful to have a comfy bed and fluffy pillow. For those of you who want to "google earth" it- it's 12 miles Tonk Road, Via Vatika.
The 5 hour ride was probably the most interesting part. Let me just quickly summarize what we saw... a dead cow on the highway, camels pulling carts, men flocking their sheep/goats, people showering roadside, open sewer drains, people riding elephants, cars/trucks/tractors/bicycles driving towards us on the highway. Our driver told us the men who were sheep herding walk from Jaipur to Dehli and it takes them 8-10 days to arrive. Upon entry to the city we saw the Amber Fort and the We took some pictures and will try and upload if I can do that. Needless to say it was an interesting venture.
Dad did well while we were gone. He said he chased the sisters around and rode camels in the morning. He actually went for a walk by and treated himself to tea at the coffee shop downstairs. He has finished one book already. We're contemplating switching rooms again because he hasn't been able to sleep at night. It might be the traffic. It really is loud here. We know on Thursday we will be moved rooms for the surgery and recovery. I really hate switching rooms after we get to know the sisters and get settled and then we have to move again. Perhaps we could stay on this floor and just request the other side of the hall. We'll see. The day nurse (sister) we have reminds us of an India Lexi. There's something about her features and her kindness. I think it's her smile and her eyes.
They just came in and told dad they are going to do an ultra sound on his kidneys to "predict" how they will act post surgery. I guess they can put dye through him and see how the blood flows to figure this out. I think everything will be fine with them. His kidneys just seem to have really taken a toll through all this.
Haha, that's funny that the day nurse reminds you of me! It sounds like you had a fantastic weekend. What an interesting journey...It almost sounds like a crazy dream! I'm praying for you guys and thinking about you constantly! Love you!
ReplyDeleteLIVER LET LIVE. What a clever and descriptive moniker for this blog. And what a terrific tool to keep all of us connected, as you've worked your way through the maze that it took to get Mike to the day that will give him a new lease on life. Your postings have been informative, yet light-hearted, to take the edge off the seriousness of what you're all "over there" for. Now that we enter the week of the big day, LIVER LET LIVE becomes even more telling in what this medical odyssey is all about. Renee, you are giving the "gift of life" to your Dad. Both you and Neysa, with no hesitation whatsoever, put your lives on hold, and committed to be there with your Dad at his greatest hour of need. Every parent wishes that they would have that relationship with their children, and we could not be prouder of the two of you. Mike, You and Barb and Susan have to know that you've raised a wonderful family and you have to be pleased at how everyone has come to your side during these trying times. As you go into surgery, you can be sure that everything will go well, with all the love and prayers and committment of not only your immediate, but your extended family as well. Be happy that your family ties are what they are, and put your trust in God. We love you all.
ReplyDeleteAl and Sandy
We would be remiss in not noting that many sacrifices have been made by many people on both sides of the ocean, as well, in making LIVER LET LIVE a reality. Even after the surgery, it will take a lot of effort and coordination to get through the recovery phase for both Mike and Renee. There are too many people to name every single person who has been and will be involved...but you all know who you are. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWe duplicate the thanks. I've been unable to log in to the internet since we moved rooms yesterday. We are very grateful for all the people who have donated to the cause to make all of this happen. We are here because of all of you! The hours are ticking by and I am looking forward to giving my dad the gift of life. What an amazing opportunity!
ReplyDeleteI also have to give credit to my mastermind group who helped me think of this great blog name. It's perfect!