An Unexpected, Unwanted Flight Home

UA334 HNL-LGA, 1-DEC-2019 – It isn’t often I let down my guard. I have an elderly father, Jennifer has children. We travel with satellite communications so that we can always be reached.

But yesterday, because we had spoken to the kids and my dad, who is the Babbo of Caro Babbo, when everything that was in imminent danger of failing on Caro Babbo was repaired, when both VRBO properties had paying guests and all the airline holiday-season tickets had been booked and paid for, we did relax.

When my brother Chris called at 3:45am, Hawaii time, I chalked the call up to a mistake in time zones because I expected him to call me. I didn’t check my phone until Jennifer and I were walking along the path that leads by the artificial lagoons at the Ko’Olina resorts.

Then, I saw all the messages at a glance, please call me from Chris: nothing to worry about. And messages from my nephew Eric on my brother Ken’s number.

I was transfixed. I stopped walking and turned 180 degrees away from Jennifer.

I don’t remember whether Jennifer asked me what was wrong or I just said, my dad has had a stroke. Eric’s messages added that there were clots at the base of the brain.

I called Chris, the youngest of the five kids at 56 years old. Chris was at the hospital and told me that as it was happening my dad called out, I’m having stroke.

The ambulance took him to Mather, a community hospital I despise, which then sent him on to Stony Brook University hospital, which I respect.

Jennifer and I walked back to the boat. We discussed whether I should fly out immediately or wait a day. Jennifer felt strongly I should fly out immediately and not wait for things to settle.

United had a one-way fare Honolulu-La Guardia for $400. I called Delta, with whom I have flown more that a million miles, asking whether they might have a discounted ticket for me given the situation. They would only quote me listed fares: $900.

Jennifer didn’t fly with me because we have a rat on Caro Babbo that we are having trouble catching. The potential damage could be disastrous.

She is guilt-ridden because on that last call, my dad’s last words to her were to tell her he loved her but she did not respond in kind.

To be honest, I don’t want Jennifer come unless my dad regains consciousness and is close to who he is. My mother on a similar occasion told me not to come, but instead to remember that person as they had been.

I worry that he will be heavily mentally impaired. I have no way of preventing that outcome or effecting it.

This flight is nine hours long; much could change before I land.

Keep us in your thoughts.

Author: johnjuliano

One-third owner of Caro Babbo, co-captain and in command whenever Caro Babbo is under sail. View all posts by johnjuliano