I have to express my gratitude to the flight crew of flight 1226 from Antigua to NY on Wednesday, 12/31. They were so attentive and concerned with my Dad. They made sure that he was comfortable and checked in with me constantly to make sure that the kids were ok.
I really began to worry on the plane. Dad began to complain about headaches and wanted a cold compress. I asked him to give me a reading on the pain based on a scale from 1 to 10 where 10 was the worst pain he has ever felt. He told me the pain was an 8. I was so scared. I was worried that there was a new bleed or more swelling. He was unable to bring a cup up to his mouth and I had to get a straw and hold the glass for him
He could not get comfortable and would repeat, "Sharon, I want you to know that I love you." My heart was breaking. Were these my Dad's final words?
About 2 hours into the flight, I asked the flight crew to call EMS to meet us at the gate. The entire flight was a bit longer due to their mechanical problem. I could not wait to land. Both the co-pilot and the captain came out to speak to me about Dad's condition.
I also was so happy to have Yaya there to work with my munchkins. They really behaved on the flight. I think that MJ was a bit scared of what was happening with "PopPop."
We started to descend towards JKF and Dad Now began to yelp. We touched down and as soon as the doors opened, port authority police and an immigration officer were there to meet us. I gave the police an update of dad's condition and he radio'ed for EMS. The immigration officer took our passports and I placed the situation in God's hands. I strapped EJ to Yaya and told MJ to listen to Yaya. She took the kids and was escorted through immigration and baggage claim. Dad and I were taken directly from the plane into the ambulance. Dad was assessed and his blood pressure was 200/108. The EMT's read the letter that Dr. Lewis sent with me describing his condition. Based on this, they decided to take us to the nearest hospital...Jamaica Hospital in Queens, NY.
I learned later that Yaya and the children got a standing applause as they left the airport. The passengers just wanted to support the kids as they could see that the kids were a bit scared.
I really began to worry on the plane. Dad began to complain about headaches and wanted a cold compress. I asked him to give me a reading on the pain based on a scale from 1 to 10 where 10 was the worst pain he has ever felt. He told me the pain was an 8. I was so scared. I was worried that there was a new bleed or more swelling. He was unable to bring a cup up to his mouth and I had to get a straw and hold the glass for him
He could not get comfortable and would repeat, "Sharon, I want you to know that I love you." My heart was breaking. Were these my Dad's final words?
About 2 hours into the flight, I asked the flight crew to call EMS to meet us at the gate. The entire flight was a bit longer due to their mechanical problem. I could not wait to land. Both the co-pilot and the captain came out to speak to me about Dad's condition.
I also was so happy to have Yaya there to work with my munchkins. They really behaved on the flight. I think that MJ was a bit scared of what was happening with "PopPop."
We started to descend towards JKF and Dad Now began to yelp. We touched down and as soon as the doors opened, port authority police and an immigration officer were there to meet us. I gave the police an update of dad's condition and he radio'ed for EMS. The immigration officer took our passports and I placed the situation in God's hands. I strapped EJ to Yaya and told MJ to listen to Yaya. She took the kids and was escorted through immigration and baggage claim. Dad and I were taken directly from the plane into the ambulance. Dad was assessed and his blood pressure was 200/108. The EMT's read the letter that Dr. Lewis sent with me describing his condition. Based on this, they decided to take us to the nearest hospital...Jamaica Hospital in Queens, NY.
I learned later that Yaya and the children got a standing applause as they left the airport. The passengers just wanted to support the kids as they could see that the kids were a bit scared.