Dad

Our flight was out of Dulles at 7am which is a two hour drive from where I live.  I was so nervous about not making the flight that I asked some good friends, Monte and Lori, if I could stay with them for the night since they live just a couple miles from the airport.

I met Monte and Lori when I worked as a Youth Pastor at their church.  They had treated me like family during my three years there.  Monte and Lori are amazing people; very classy, love Jesus, wicked funny, and they love me very much.  It had been over a year and a half since I had last seen them. As soon as I walked in the door we started right where we left off the last time we talked.

[Read more…] about 002 The Last Time

I arrived at Dulles at 5:30am for my 7:00am flight.  I got on the plane which already started boarding at 6:30, a half hour before take off.  I took a seat next to Pradip, my CIO, who was extremely relieved to see me.  Apparently, John (an old Navy Diver and my CEO) and Pradip (a young successful brilliant Indian) had been waiting for the plane since 5:00 am.  John had asked Pradip if I had ever flown before.   To their relief, I had.

[Read more…] about 003 Doubt

Pam keeps asking me, “John, what were you thinking on your trip home?”

Waiting for the plane I wept in a corner looking away from people.  The flight home was no different.  I was just quieter.  The same plane that took me to San Fransisco was refueled and returning to DC with me on it.

[Read more…] about 004 The Flight Home

When my plane landed one of my best friends, Tim called me right away.  I had sent him a text right before my plane lifted off to DC.  Tim called to tell me about an organization called, “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.”  He told started to tell me what it was, and I had to cut him off.  This is the same organization my dad told me about that I turned down.  Tim was the second person to talk to me and the second person to mention this organization.

[Read more…] about 005 Choosing A Name

On my drive home I talked with my dad shortly.  He informed me, and it was the first time I understood, that Pam was dying.  My dad said that Pam is really sick and I needed to talk with her.  She was waiting for me to be with her, so I could be with her when she delivered.  Pam was still waiting after my 6 hour flight.  My dad said it was critical that she had this baby as soon as possible.  So I got on the phone and I told her that I was on my way.  I told her not to wait, but to start trying now. [Read more…] about 006 Deep Breath