LA or Bust

We had a few friends over to the house the night before we left for LA—a little dinner, games and music.

Ethan, Curtis and Jacob

Matthew, Jacob, Donovan, Ethan (Kathleen in the background)

Aaron and I were overwhelmed by the outpour of love and support from our friends and family on Guam.

Lisa, Jessi, me and Kina

Jacob and Kina took us to the airport early in the morning.

We had a nice layover in the United Club lounge at Narita Airport in Japan. Cleaned up and refreshed ourselves.

As we boarded the plane in Narita, we noticed that our seats were not in the same row—not even on the same side of the plane. A flight attendant overheard our exchange and showed me to my seat. I got myself situated and looked over to see where Aaron was sitting. I couldn't even see him. The weight of everything came down on me and tears began to stream down my face.

Unbeknownst to me, the flight attendant had recognized the panic in my eyes. After getting everybody else settled she went into action. Aaron explained our situation to her—we'd had to move our trip up because of urgent medical treatment and in the process of getting a sooner flight we were separated. The flight attendant discretely asked my neighbor if she would switch seats with Aaron. She graciously accepted. I blubbered a "Thank You!" as she packed up her belongings. Relieved, I began to weep.

When the flight attendant came around to serve drinks, she teased Aaron and I—like it was our first date. "So how's it going you two?" she said with knowing eyes. She carried on with this charade during the rest of the flight. I listened to her as she chatted and played with the rest of the passengers. I've never met a better flight attendant! 

Next stop LAX

Lydia and Al Paisley at the 2017 Don't Give Up!

Regional Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses in Long Beach, CA

When friends, Jason and Julie (formerly of Guam, originally from the Long Beach area) found out that we were going to LA for medical treatment they called their friends, the McCorkles, to see if they could find us a place to stay. The Jetmores, friends of the McCorkles, made their home available to us while they went on vacation to Europe. However, they would not be leaving for over a week after we arrived. They checked with their friends, the Paisleys, who had an extra room that was available. For the first ten days or so, we stayed with friends of friends of friends of friends—all thanks to our christian brotherhood.

    

Lydia lived up to the reputation of her namesake (Acts 16:11-15, 36-40). She was a lovely hostess.  One evening she invited these two couples over to dinner—Jackie and Bob Schmieder (left) and Theresa and Sam Russo (right). Jackie and Theresa are breast cancer survivors. They immediately rallied around me and shared their own experiences so that I would know what to expect. The brothers even took a moment to talk to Aaron about how he would be effected and how to be a good support. They were very sweet. I thank Jehovah for the hospitality of these three couples.

We had some just-so-happened-moments in LA. It  just so happened that Jeff and Lianne Flores from our congregation on Guam were in LA for medical treatment as well. While Jeff was in surgery we kidnapped Lianne for lunch near the hospital.

We attended Sunday of the convention in Long Beach and it just so happened that we ran into Art and Geraldine McKinney (formerly of Guam). Aaron and I walked in partway through the first talk—took a wrong turn on the freeway—and there was Art on stage, larger than life. I'd recognize that voice anywhere.

It was a beautiful day in Long Beach. We enjoyed the spiritual meal at the convention.

During that first week we met with Doctor Dennis R. Holmes, Breast Cancer Surgeon and Doctor Leo E. Orr, Oncologist. Both have offices at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles. I liked both doctors right away. They were easy to talk to and had years of experience. We were quickly scheduled for surgery the following week.

While we waited to see Doctor Orr, a very tall man in a suit walked in. He said something to the receptionist and then turned to us and said, "So Guam?". We were both surprised by this until he explained that he was Jeff Franklin from the Transfusion-Free Medicine and Surgery Center at Good Samaritan Hospital. His job is to coordinate care for patients who want bloodless surgery. He took us out for a meal. During our conversation, he instilled confidence in us for our doctors when he said "You have the best team of doctors!"

While we awaited the surgery, we tried to get out and experience the surrounding area. Santa Monica Pier was a short drive from the Paisley's home. We also ventured down to Venice Beach. We perused the shops, enjoyed the artwork along the way and watched the street performers. There are some interesting people out there!