Nick’s Spinal AVM Blog

Home Sweet Home!

March 18th, 2008

Well, we finally made it home and how sweet it is to be home! Our return trip was very long and hard, somewhat better on our return until Delta tried to bump us off our flight in L.A. We traveled from Qiangdao, China (Friday China time, Thursday USA time) to Korea then to L.A. via Asiana Airlines, which I am still raving about the excellent service by this airline.  We were never wanting for food or drink as they continued to provide full course meals and as much water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, etc as we wanted, provided headsets to listen to our choices of movies as many times as we wanted (in English), blankets, pillows and a packet of goodies which included masks for sleeping, socks, travel toothbrush & toothpaste and didn’t even ask for any of it back! Ok, why am I making such a big deal? Well, when we arrived in L.A. to make our connecting flight, Delta tried to “boot” us off our already paid for flight due to their error of overbooking, had food for purchase, but did offer us crackers, water and soft drinks a couple of times and had headsets for $2.00 each for a one time Disney Movie.  Yes, I had made it perfectly clear that we had paid for our tickets months ago and expected to be on that plane as did many others and even though we were not among those boarding the plane just before take off, we did get our boarding passes and board we did. We arrived in Atlanta about 6;15 a.m. Saturday, yep just after the tornadoes had hit downtown Atlanta and yes we had a turbulent flight, but safely landed and Philip and Trenton were there to drive us home to Navarre, Florida (5 hr trip).  What a wonderful sight those two were to us!  Nicholas walked through all the airports instead of riding in a wheelchair as he had done on our trip to China.  He is much stronger now, experiencing sensations he did not have before China and is able to lift his feet to some degree.  Nicholas even went to the beach on Sunday with his brother and cousin and did NOT wear his braces…….only used his cane! This is something that he has not done in over 5 years! He will continue to see inprovement over the next couple of months as the stem cells continue to grow and do “their thing”….I believe it’s called “regenerative medicine”.  Come on USA, let’s get this treatment over here for others to experience their miracle!

Our homecoming was awesome as Mama had a big pot of her Southern style Chicken ‘n Dumplings that Nicholas so loves and so do I! Family members gathered ’round to listen to our tales of our China trip and of course most importantly, Nicholas’ miraculous improvements.  We met some wonderful people in the “same boat” as Nicholas…….having to travel around the world to receive stem cells treatment.  There is quickly a “bond” established as all cheer on each other.  Questions of ”Are the stem cells working for you, how?” We can not say enough about the wonderful staff from Beike, their professionalism, kindness and excellent care they give.  The attentativeness that all gave to Nicholas absolutely “blew us away” and according to what we saw, this is the way they treat everyone! From the head doctor to the lady who cleaned our room daily, all gave care in such a compassionate and caring manner in whatever their tasks. The Chinese people that we met were so full of life and seemed to have a passion for living……always seemed so happy and eager to learn about us as they shared their way of life. Our reason for going to China was for Nicholas’ treatment and how sweet the returns have already been, not only did he receive this miraculous treatment and is reaping a wonderful return physically, but what a wonderful experience we both had as we experienced the kindness of the Chinese people and their culture.

We are both so glad to be home in the  USA and what comforting words of the customs officer (USA) as he said, “You don’t need to show your passports anymore, you can put them away, now.” We knew we were home indeed. I think we both let out a sigh of relief at the same time.

Thank you all who helped to make this trip a reality and for your continued support via emails, prayers and thoughts.  Now, let’s get this treatment in our country!

Vicki

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