We got a heart! 

Looks like our 41 came a little quicker than expected! The doctor came by late morning to tell Amanda the good news. I’m currently in the air on a flight to Nashville. 

I had just gotten off work in Houston and was asleep in the hotel when Amanda called. The surgery was scheduled for 2 pm, and there was no way I could make it to see her. Either way, I scrambled to throw some clothes on and hopped in the Burb to get to the airport, very unsafely googling flights as I drove. I went to IAH for a flight at noon, but it was almost an hour; till that departure there was no way I would have made it. I double-checked for others, no direct flights for a few hours. I checked Hobby, and there was a flight in an hour and a half. I made a U-turn at the IAH entrance and sped off to Hobby on the other side of town. I called to adjust my flight that gets out Monday, but it was booked with points, so they needed more info than I had on the person who donated the points. They can only book an hour out on the phone, and she had 2 minutes to get the flight booked otherwise it had to be done at the airport. I got the agent my credit card number just in time, and had a flight that was about to board when I was still 10 minutes out. I made a few phone calls and then stayed on the phone with Amanda as I parked. Too many loops around looking for a spot, and then I left the garage to valet, but when entering, it took me back to the garage. I was frantic trying to get a spot. The doctor came in, and Amanda got off the phone. As I was getting to the roof, I found a spot. When Amanda called back, she said they pushed the surgery until noon tomorrow. I’d be able to see her before surgery now. 

I rushed in after I found a spot. I was packed light, with no bag, with only my MacBook in my hand. I called a few friends to share the news and found my way to the terminal. I have pre-check, but the agent never asked, so it wasn’t on my ticket. I got in the regular line and asked someone about going ahead because of my emergent situation. They said to use the wheelchair lane, so I hopped to the front. Then I asked again in the following line. A TSA agent let the rope down, grabbed me a bucket, and followed it through to make sure it was expedited. I had twenty minutes before departure, so I was hoofing it through the terminal to get to my gate. Everyone was lined up but not boarding when I arrived. I had plenty of time. It was a completely booked flight, I barley got a ticket I guess. Ended up in a middle seat between two big guys, but on the exit row at least. 

The procurement team still has to put eyes on the heart to verify it is suitable, but the tentative surgery time is noon tomorrow. We could use all the prayers right now. Prayers for a successful surgery a speedy recovery, and that I can find an apartment easily. Prayers for the donor’s family, too. My heart goes out to them, and in our excitement, I can’t help but think of the flip side. Somewhere unknown to us, there is a family devastated right now. Please pray for them. 

I’ve got to get the room to packed, buy underwear (I’m telling you after all of this I’m going to have an extensive collection), and find an apartment. And all in a hurry! Glad I canceled my storage unit yesterday the move-in date on it was was set for today. I probably won’t be up to date on posts as busy as I’ll be but I’ll do my best to keep everyone updated here and on social media. We’re about to land now the flight attendant just said welcome to Houston, I hope she’s wrong!