A Difficult Journey

Wish Granters, an organization that provides wishes for adults with terminal illnesses, approached Zach last month about a wish.  Zach became a Blackhawks fan a few years ago and wanted to see a hockey game.  He chose quite possibly the coldest place in the country--Chicago.  Our plan was to visit Chicago at the end of February but Dr. Dan deemed it necessary to make the trip happen as quickly as possible.  Within a week and a half we were on a plane to Chicago.  Wish Granters also contacted The Drake Hotel and we were given a beautiful suite over looking the lake.  It was a very special trip.

Chicago got hit with some of the coldest weather in history...-25 degrees with the wind chill.  Schools were closed, the streets were empty and even weather hardened Chicagoans were talking about the weather.  The day of the Blackhawks game I began brainstorming with Mary, the concierge, the best way to get to/from the United Center.  The taxis were unreliable because of the weather and crowds, the bus stops were too far from the hotel, and a rental car was a huge hassle and expense.  I told her about Zach's battle so she understood we had to make our decision carefully to keep him safe from the elements.  I was in the process of reaching out to family who used to live in Chicago to see if they knew of anyone still in town who could provide us with a ride.  In the meantime, Mary called me and offered to pick us up after the game!  That sweet woman went above and beyond the call of duty, picked us up after the hockey game, and drove us back to The Drake.  When we got back to our room we were surprised to find roses and snacks from room service.  We later found out we could thank Mary and Ronald (another concierge) for the thoughtful gifts.  

I can't say enough about the kind hearted staff members of The Drake: Romo the bellman who lost his uncle to cancer, Araceli the waitress who told Zach some salsa dancing might make him feel better, and Mary and Ronald who cared so much for us.  The Drake general manager was equally good to us and took care of all our room service charges at the end of our stay.  A car service also donated their services so we could get to/from the airport.  It was snowing the afternoon we flew out and our driver was young and timid.  A 30-minute trip took 90 minutes and my nerves were nearly shot by the time the airport was in site.  Mere seconds before we stopped at the departure curb Zach got sick in the car.  But the sweet driver was kind and gracious as we cleaned up the car.  I was very thankful I hadn't said anything snarky during the commute--like asking her to step on it and drive like a big girl :)  We made our Chicago flight but sat on the runway for hours waiting to be de-iced.  We missed our Phoenix connection and had to spend the night.  It was quite a treat to go from -25 degrees to 75 degrees--if even for a few hours.  

I knew we would have fun on the trip but I had no idea how much God would bless us through other people--the hotel staff, drivers, the 9-year old girl who traded me seats on the airplane so I could care for Zach, and the cancer survivor in the seat next to Zach who shared with us at the end of the flight he had been praying for him.  

We received a call from Seattle 2 weeks ago.  There was a spot open for Zach in their clinical trial.  I was so frustrated to be given a trail opportunity at a time like this.  It felt like an impossible decision to make.  The phase 1 trial is not testing out the effectiveness of a drug.  It is still in the early stages and is testing out the amount of drug that a patient can safely be given.  There is no research as to its effectiveness at this point.  Zach would be required to be in Seattle every week for the next 6 months--either for treatment or lab work (a long way to travel to get a vial of blood drawn!)  We knew it was a big risk for Zach to be a part of their research at this point in the game with his condition.  With a lot of advice from our medical team (and even Seattle's oncologist) we knew that Zach's quality of life would most certainly be diminished with the treatment, side effects, constant travel and time away from the boys.  We made the decision not to participate.  It was a gut wrenching and tearful choice to make.  But we have peace with it now. 

Zach made the decision to stop teaching at Rocky Mountain. It became quite clear during Christmas break that it would be impossible for him to return to the classroom. Some days he just has no energy and sleeps. 

The last month has been incredibly difficult at times, filled with doubt, frustration, fear and loneliness.  I got lazy and distracted.  But I have realized that I feel God's presence and strength when I stay committed to bible study and prayer.  It has been a tough lesson to learn...but better to be reminded of it now that down the road.  

 Max and Grandma Kathi at the game.

 Oliver is a blur while eating popcorn.

 Play for Ingersoll shirts!

 Such a meaningful tribute to Zach.

The boys and me. 

Selfie in baggage claim at O'Hare.  Excited to begin our journey!

The Drake's iconic sign!

The Blackhawks LOST!  I don't think most of the fans knew what that felt like.  The Avalance scored twice within the first 90 seconds--not a good way to begin the game. But Zach and I still had a blast!

Blackhawks game selfie.

I desperately wanted to ride the Zamboni!

The Blackhawks lost but that didn't deter our excitement to be there!

The United Center was as close as I got to a Chicago-style hot dog.  The weather kept me from visiting Portillo's but it is on my list next time.  

10 years ago Zach and I were in Chicago to see the Cubs.  We wandered into The Drake and ate at the Cape Cod.  It was the best meal of our life!  We vowed to stay at The Drake one day...and enjoy the Cape Cod again. 

Pictures never do food the justice it deserves.  The lobster thermidor was a treat!

More lobster--it's a theme with me.  

Mary and Ronald, the concierges who made a lot of neat things happen for us.  

Oliver enjoying breakfast Christamas Eve morning with the Ingersolls.

Max eating his grandparents out of house and home.  

Oliver was wide eyed when he saw his Christmas present from Grandma Kathi and asked in disbelief, "you got me a bike???"

Zach, great grandma Laura and Max.

 Oliver with his uncles and Jenny.

 Oliver's uncles are relentless!

 Uncle Nate and Max.

 Oliver is a shiny new gift.

 Uncle Ben and Jenny :) They came all the way from Tucson to spend Christmas with us!

 A lazy Christmas lunch while the little boys napped.

 Uncle Mitch and Max.

Max loves kisses!

Zach and I went to Twin Falls for the day to visit family.  Just a few of the Griff cousins!

 Zach and I celebrated New Year's Eve with some family.  

10 years ago on New Year's Eve Zach proposed after a sleigh ride and dinner.  We had hoped to make the sleigh ride again this year but with Zach's health, we felt it best not to.  Such a great memory though!