The Flight to Tel Aviv - by Ane

We made it to Israel!  Not without challenges, but also with blessings!!  Mark’s chest pain has continued to increase so sleep has been difficult for the past few nights.  By the time we got on the plane he felt sick due to lack of sleep as well as pain and fatigue.  He is still in A-Fib with heart rate around 140 so that makes him tired.

When we got to PDX we realized that we had left my carry-on bag.  Since we were there by 4 am with a 6 am departure Jon was able to drive home, get the bag and bring it back to us by 5:15.  The good news is that since we had a wheelchair for Mark we were able to go right through security, and that was a real blessing as the line was very long!  When we got to the gate it was time for pre-boarding so we got right on.   The flight to SLC was miserable for him since he was so tired and couldn’t sleep.  As we were boarding the plane in SLC for JFK, Dave & Ann hurried up and told us that their seats had been upgraded to 1^st class and that we were to take those seats.  That was so kind of them.  The seats were much more comfortable, but he still wasn’t able to sleep.

At each step of the way I asked Delta agents if there was any way we could get him into First Class for the 10 hour flight to Tel Aviv, but was told that our group ticket was not upgradable. The only chance we had was to talk to the agent at the gate at JFK .  I went early to do so.  I also talked to the purser who would be on the plane.  He was very kind, but couldn’t made changes.  The agent told us that there were no seats available in First Class.  With all the talk of Mark’s heart problem the agent was concerned that Mark should not get on the plane at all!  Oh no, my efforts seemed to be back firing!  He said we needed a note from our doctor for us to board.  Fortunately, Dr. Farley came to the rescue and gave permission.  Our seats were in Economy Comfort so there was plenty of leg room.  After dinner was served Mark tried to get comfortable so he could sleep, but just couldn’t.  He was feeling sick again.  The purser came by to check on him and asked me how Mark was feeling.  I told him that he was not doing well.  The purser left and returned soon and told us that there was one seat available in First Class that Mark could have.   These First Class seats totally recline, so Mark was able to sleep!  YEA!!  That made a world of difference.  How thankful we were for that tender mercy!