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Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Stateside

We are here!!! We were met by a guy who is a friend of John's brother. He has networks with the church and there are loads of people rallying around to help us! He sent out an email to ask if anyone would put us up for a few days and he said within 20 mins he had a reply!!! At the moment we are staying with the Director of the University!! Basically we are in a leafy suburb in millionaire’s row!!! His house is truly amazing and we have an amazing room! The church network had managed to get a cot, baby bath, highchair, car seat, toys etc... Overwhelming!!!! So here we are stateside and I'm so glad we are here. Tomorrow we have an appointment with Dr Maris at CHOP!!

We also have the American military sorting us out with a house and again requests have been put out for furnishing it as it is unfurnished. It will be in a place called Willow Grove, about 50 mins drive from CHOP. They nickname it Bucks County as there is a lot of money here!! Oh and an amazing shopping mall apparently!!!

People are getting us a mobile [oops, I mean cell phone!] and they are trying to get us a vehicle for the whole time, like a lease car! All the insurance will be sorted!! So, I have just made an American coffee and earlier we saw a chipmunk in the garden. Jamie was beside himself as he loves Alvin and the Chipmunks!! He thinks that this is the real Alvin although how we are going to get it to sing, I do not know!!!!


The weather here is beautiful, they had loads of snow about 2 weeks ago but now it is mild and sunny and we are surrounded by beautiful trees with mansions nestled in amongst them. We could get used to this!!!

The journey here was made less stressful by the staff at Frankfurt. Basically we were escorted and transported everywhere; I think it took 40 mins from check in to get through control and security. They just waved us through!! We were first on the aircraft and had a row of seats behind as well that were kept free! If we had known this I would not have paid for Poppy's seat but we didn't know!! The staff couldn't do enough to help us! We had complimentary wine and they wouldn't let us pay for Jamie's snacks! The air steward let Jamie sit in her seat for landing and she had tears in her eyes as she welcomed Jamie to America!

Finally, we were allowed into the cockpit at the end of the flight!! I almost broke down then but held it together as Jamie got moody and brought me back to reality!!! The air steward then fast tracked us through immigration so it was quite nice to see everyone else queuing and we just walked past!!!!!

Not too jet lagged considering we left our house at 6.00 am having had 2 hours sleep and arrived at the house about 10.00pm CET! Went to bed at 9.30pm [3.30am in Germany] and slept through until 5.00am. Both children are having a morning rest, it's 10.00am here and Jamie has already said "I like it here, I don't want to go home. We are not going home are we?!!" Hopefully his behaviour will improve now!!!

I can't believe we are here, everyone is really friendly, even the staff at the airport in Philly!! So for those of you who are thinking of visiting Philly, don't hesitate, it's fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! New York is only a 3 hour drive away and Boston is being recommended all the time!!

We will find out tomorrow exactly when Jamie will start radiotherapy and the hospital is highly thought of here. Will let you know how it all goes!!!

All our love

7 comments:

Unknown said...

So glad it is all working out and you are being well looked after. Look forward to all your updates. Hope the hospital visit today goes well and the radiotherapy can start asap. Loads of people here are asking after you and praying for you .

Emma said...

Jamie Well it all sounds fantastic a chipmunk in your own garden thats fab! The williams family (hubby did the bike ride) would like to wish you lots and lots of fun and luck. Look after that chipmunk Jamie xxx

Budge said...

So pleased you had a good journey over there.
Also that you are being looked after as it must have been a bit scary at first.
Lots of positive vibes for Jamie and loads of love to you all.
Aunt Budge xxxx

Louise Emma said...

I am a friend of Sylv's and she has been keeping us updated with Jamie. I donated too so am very interested in Jamies progress and shall bookmark the blog so I can keep a check on him and your family. Hope everything goes well for you xxxx Keeping Jamie safe in our hearts xxxxx Louise

Unknown said...

Will make sure everyone knows about the blog as it's so nice to still hear from you. Thinking about you all. XXXX

patricia said...

Bless you I hope everything goes well for Jamie will be praying for him ,hugs to you all .Mrs F

Vicky said...

Thank you all so much for your comments, I feel more emotional at the moment than I have ever done since 1st April 2009. We are entering a new phase for Jamie and lets hope that this is the beginning of the end of Neuroblastoma. How families deal with this year on year I do not know!!!