Last Minute Trip Cancellation Last Year

Don and I planned to go to Maui last June. But on May 31^st, I was surprised to learn I had a blood clot fully closing an artery in my left leg, and partially clogging the right. I had no pain, no indicators.

I had gone to Urgent Care because I had two styes that wouldn’t go away. And the amazing doctor asked questions, listened carefully, and saw my swollen feet. “Let’s do an ultrasound, just in case.”

And I left with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and a “no” on our planned flight to Hawaii in ten days.

Another Health Crisis Ten Days Before This Year’s Trip

This month, ten days before we were scheduled to fly to Maui (again), Don was diagnosed with fluid on his lungs. Breathing was difficult and fatigue was high. Doctors gave him a large amount of Lasix, and overnight, Don lost six pounds of fluid. After three days in the hospital, he was worn out.

Should we cancel our trip?

Three doctors encouraged us to go. Don is aware he may not have too many travel opportunities left. I was fully on board with whatever he wanted to do.

Scripture Calmed our Fears

The day before leaving, Don felt very anxious, even though he’d not wanted to cancel. After breakfast, as is our practice, I pulled out the scriptures. “By chance” (nothing in God’s economy is by chance, is it?) we read Psalm 34, from the New Living Translation. Here are verses 4-6:

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
No shadow of shame will darken their faces.
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
He saved me from all my troubles.

Missing Passports

We woke at three the next morning to finish packing. I went through a mental checklist and thought I had everything. Our dear friend Karen picked us up at 4:45 am to drive us to the San Jose Airport.

After she left, my heart dropped.

“Don, I forgot to pack our passports.”

Don has a Real ID. I didn’t think I did. But evidently I do. Mine looks just the same as his, and I had no questions from security. However, Don’s ticket listed his birthdate as 9/2/25, which would make him about eight months old! Well, that wouldn’t fly!

Don’s “driver” ran back downstairs, got a corrected copy of the ticket, and we went right through. Just a bit of tension there …

We were so thankful for the caring helpers God provided for us.

Car Rental Error

Outside the Maui terminal, I left Don with the luggage while I went to pick up our rental car. Easy-peasy. For a minute.

They told me to go to aisle 8 and pick out any minivan. I didn’t see aisle 8, but I did see cars in stalls like 836, 865, etc. I thought that must be my row. (Remember, we got up about midnight Hawaii time!).

I got into a car that smelled like cigarette smoke. Nope! Moved to another that smelled fresh and clean. “Ah, this is the one.”

I drove to the exit, showed the man my reservation and driver’s license.

“Were there no minivans left?” he asked.

Well, this van wasn’t huge. But I explained how I found it. “Shall I go back and get a different one?”

“Unless you want to pay the extra for this one.”

“I don’t.”

Chad’s Help

He sent me back into the parking garage through a “Do Not Enter” sign. I parked the car and looked for a big 8 on a pole, not on the parking space numbers. I asked Chad which one he would recommend.

“The newest one.”

He pointed to a black SUV. OK, let’s take this one. I got in and could not find a gearshift! I was going to quietly get out and find an older model to drive, but Chad was nearby. I told him my dilemma.

“Yes, every new version gets more complicated. It’s this button, and you just turn it to P, R, N, D …”

So I got back into the car, drove through the exit, and drove back around to the airport, searching for my Don. I finally found him almost at the end of the terminal. We loaded up and headed to our lodging.

So, What Does all This Have to do With God?

First, He said He cares for us, and that we are to bring all our cares to Him. He doesn’t prevent us from trouble. Difficulties are part of life. But He is WITH us in each of them.

Late that afternoon, we went to Aloha Mixed Plate for an early dinner. After, as I maneuvered to get out of their tight lot, a big white Chevy Suburban started backing quickly into the space next to me. I stopped immediately, but he scraped our black rental with his white one.

By that time, Don’s hearing aids were dead, and he couldn’t hear my conversation with the other driver. Fortunately, the damage is minimal, but the driver, who seemed so nice and honest, wasn’t. He skipped out on us.

Damaged Vehicle Report

I tried ten or eleven times to complete Hertz’s damaged vehicle report, and every time I lost the form and had to start over, only to lose it again. I think the accident concerned me less than trying to complete that crazy form, which took hours! This morning I called and Hertz told me I can complete it when we return the vehicle.

God’s Encouragement

So this has not been our usual delightful, restful trip. But no one was hurt, and Don and I enjoy being away together. The morning after the accident, we met at least four fellow Christ-followers, which encouraged us. In addition, we enjoyed two delightful evenings with Don’s niece and her husband, Karen and John Ochsner, who were also here.

While others have much greater burdens to bear, we have brought a lot of cares to the Father this week. But He has promised to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 11:5), and we will trust Him.

^“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

—Peter 5:7 NLT

Question:

What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you on a vacation?

Please respond in the comments.