We Made it to Little Rock

This is Amanda again...Dad is getting Mom ready for bed.
It was difficult getting Mom ready this morning. We had so many things to remember to pack, and it was scary thinking about loading Mom into the airplane. So we left the house later then we intended, and when we pulled up at the airport it was amazing to see a large group of friends. They had come by to send us off, and we immediately set the plan in motion to get Mom in the plane.

Dad had a little stool, and also folding workbench with multiple guys positioned around and in the plane. They were able to help guide Mom up the ramp and into the plane. It was amazing to see her get into the plane. I think everyone was holding their breath, and I heard several people whispering prayers. Mom settled into the seat, and then we started loading the plane. I can't believe how much we fit into it. We had to bring lots of pillows, luggage, a walker and cane and that just scratches the surface. Dave Hicks led us all in prayer before we took off. It was pretty emotional, and meant so much to have people supporting us.

The flight was shorter then I was anticipating. We had a tailwind out of the east of 10-20 miles, which is unusual. Several times we hit some turbulence, but Dad was able to avoid much of it.

We landed in North Little Rock, and noticed that the airport seemed completely deserted. The hanger we were supposed to store the plane was unmarked, so we just headed to the terminal. We pulled up at the terminal, and didn't see a single person. Just as we opened the doors a guy named Elmo came out of a hanger next to the terminal. He asked if we needed any help. It turns out that he works at the hanger we were looking for. Apparently the airport was hit by a tornado last year, and many of the buildings had to be rebuilt. The hanger didn't have a sign yet. The terminal had a code to get it, and I'm so grateful that Elmo came out when he did because I really needed to use the restroom. Just then our car drove up. Dad had hired a limo, since it was easier for Mom to get in and out than a beatup taxi. The limo driver, Calvin and Elmo helped us get her out of the plane. I stayed inside the plane to support Mom as she was getting up, and Calvin, Dad and Elmo were able to guide her out of the seat and down the wing. It is much harder getting out than climbing into the plane, but those guys were unbelievable. Before we even started to unload Mom she prayed that we would have wisdom, and then as she passed each man she put her hand on their head and blessed them in Jesus name. Mom feels that the Lord sent her some angels, since we didn't see another soul at the airport. They unloaded the plane and we headed to the hotel-- Markham House Suites.

When we saw the room I asked Dad if he requested to be so close to the elevator. He didn't, but we have a great room. We are directly across from the elevator, and one door over from where they serve breakfast. We are also as close as you can get to the shuttle that will take us back and forth for our appointments this week. It couldn't be more ideal. I know that friends have been praying for our stay here, and we can feel it.

Mom and Dad took a little nap, and then Dad and I went for a walk. The area around the hotel is really pretty, and we found a great pizza place to deliver our dinner. It'll be nice to get more settled tomorrow before our orientation at UAMS.

I know that Mom or Dad will want to share their own perspective, but I wanted to let everyone know that we have arrived safely. Just as a side note...the last time we were in Little Rock was in 1985. My dad was in C-130 school, and we spent three months out here. It was such a great summer, and it's kinda special to be back though I wish it were just for a normal visit.


Just as I was finishing this post I took a picture of Mom all settled into her armchair. This hotel has a recliner, which is why we are staying here. Mom is unable to lie flat at the moment, so this was really important. Anyway, I took the picture and then Mom accidentally spilled ice water all over herself. It will be really nice when spilling water isn't a huge ordeal. Let's just say that her entire "bed" is wet, and I'm hearing talk of drying it with a hairdryer. Sharing a one bedroom suite with the folks is going to be interesting. I'm not allowed to turn around, so that's why you guys get to be privy to this too. It's made a little funnier because Mom had taken some meds to help her sleep, so it's a race against the clock to get settled back down before she falls asleep on her walker. We gave Mom dry pillows from our bed, so I'm tracking down some dry ones from housekeeping. It's going to be an adventure; that's for sure.