The Best Laid Plans…

Monday, October 1 – Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Our dear friend, Judy Bartle delivered us to Phoenix Sky Harbor for our first flight of the day, to Chicago.  While on our long layover in Chicago, we were able to use passes for American Airlines’ Admirals’ Club and it was a pretty comfortable way to spend five hours. 

Little did we know that that was the last part of today’s itinerary that went as planned.  Not too long after takeoff, it became apparent that a gentleman across the aisle from Tom was in distress (unrelated to his seat assignment!)  The call went out for a doctor, and several responded, one of whom took charge of the situation.  Blood pressure was taken, symptoms assessed, heart monitor attached, oxygen begun and an IV drip hung (taped to a coat hanger hung on an overhead bin.)  All this was done quietly and unobtrusively as we continued eastward, as the flight progress map showed us edging toward open water.  Finally, the announcement came that we were stopping in St. Stephens, Newfoundland for medical treatment.  After about two hours on the ground, we started out again for London, minus the patient, plus more fuel.

But, there was even more excitement yet to come!  As we were all awakening to the new day, the captain announced that the plane had “no electricity” and we needed to make an emergency landing in Shannon, Ireland.  (See coverage here: http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/02/travel/american-airlines-problem/index.html)  There, we were met by a phalanx of fire and rescue trucks, lights flashing.  We landed uneventfully, and after a short wait on board, we were treated to a much longer wait in a terminal holding area.  After three and a half hours, we were told we’d be staying in a hotel in Shannon, with HOPE of departing in the morning!  

As I write, we’re in a hotel In Limerick and, rather than “hope,” Tom has just re-booked us for an early flight tomorrow to London and from there to Warsaw.  The good news is that we have a prayer of getting through jet lag before we start sightseeing; we’ll see what tomorrow brings!