On the way to visit Cassie

Friday evening I was on a flight to Charlotte, NC when I passed out. The combination of warm temperatures along with a few hot-flashes were more than I could handle.

I had dressed warm with layers of clothing. I did not take the ice vest. Never, ever did it occur to me that the temperature in the cabin of the plane might be a problem for me.

About an hour into the flight, I started feeling uncomfortably warm. Then I had a couple of hot flashes and started sweating. I turned the cabin air on full blast BUT it was warm air. I started to feel awful so I got up and asked to use the restroom in the front of the plane...

NO WAY - the front of the plane is for 1st class!

The walk to the back of the plane seemed impossible BUT I did not feel well so I turned to walk to the back of the plane. Moments later things became a blur - I could not understand what a man was saying and I could not coordinate or focus my eyes. I was down for the count!

YUP - right there on the plane, I collapsed. Finally, I could stretch out and be comfortable in the over-crowded plane. The next thing I hear :

"Is there a medic on board?"

"Maam, are you traveling with someone?"

"Do you have chest pain?"


"Nooo - I'm too hot" was my reply.

I was thinking - I want to stay on the floor - it's much more comfortable than my seat. And I'm glad my kids aren't with me - how embarrassing.

With a moist cool towel, a bag of ice water on my neck, and some orange juice - I began to feel better. Darn if they didn't make me return to my seat.

Then about a half hour later, I remembered I was wearing my glasses. I called the stewardess, she looked and found them under a seat. They looked as though they had been walked on and will need a major adjustment before they fit on my face correctly - I didn't get to the restroom until I was off the plane in Charlotte.

DO YOU THINK THE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS WOULD HAVE FOLLOWED UP and possibly had an someone go with me as I changed flights in Charlotte? THEY didn't and IT DID NOT OCCUR TO ME TO ASK... Fortunately, I made it to my next flight, which was much more comfortable (less crowded and cooler temps).

Tomorrow, I have to fly USAir to get home. I hope and pray that my flight will be more comfortable. At the very least, I promise you that I will speak up when I don't feel well - and I WILL ask for assistance!

Remember - nothing ever stays the same

I remained strong, adjusted to the changes in my health and was able to support my daughter with the birth of Emma. Developing pneumonia, which exacerbated the Multiple Sclerosis the month prior to going to San Francisco was not good. My daughter remained positive and was glad to have my company even though I slept a lot and we had some problems with my scooter - for mobility - while in SF. God blessed us in so many ways and answered so many prayers.

Through this experience I have learned how truly amazing my friends and family are. Thank you for your kind words, encouragement, and support. Emma's life and health is an answer to many of your prayers. I am so blessed to have these experiences. I feel that she belongs to all of us. Thank you again for your prayers and support.

I am doing better too - walking more and sleeping less. Today, I met with Shari and Karen at Kyrene District Office to discuss work. I am hoping to pick up a couple of evaluations prior to the end of the school year - about 8 hours each week. I feel better just thinking about the possibilities. Also, today I met with a mortgage officer about obtaining a loan for a condo in Scottsdale. With the additional hours - I should qualify.

Things are looking up!