Home Coming!

When I tried to book our return trip on the Auto Train they only had two sleeper rooms left and they were on opposite sides of the train.  We, of course, took them because we needed to get home.  I kept calling at least once a day after that in hope there was a cancellation and we could get two rooms together again where we could open the door in between and continue traveling together as a family.

We arrived a little later than we hoped at the Amtrak depot.  We were suppose to be there by 2pm but didn't arrive till 2:30pm and the final deadline was 3pm.  When we walked into the lobby to see that everyone was already on the train, my hope of switching rooms nearly vanished.  However, I went ahead and asked again anyway.

Jerry, the Amtrak employee, said there was little chance because the rooms we had, being on the end, were actually smaller than the other sleeper rooms.  At that news, I accepted our fate and resigned myself to be content we were getting on the train heading home in separate rooms.

Then all of a sudden, Phyillis (the other Amtrak employee at the checkin desk), shouts to Jerry "Is that the Ottos?".  To which Jerry replies an affirmative and she replies "Check the other reservations."  At that Jerry looks up the other reservation (Titus had to have his own reservation, long story) and Jerry apologizes and tells us that we DO have have adjoining rooms on the train.

Chris and I were in shock.  Why would she know who we were?  Why would she have taken the time and energy to find someone to switch rooms with us?  All I could conclude was that she was an angel.  I went over shook her hand with both of mine and gave her a tearful, heart felt thank you.  This was the final straw; God had truly taken care of us, even in the little things.

We really enjoyed riding the train. The service and food are great and it cuts out over 17 hours of driving.  I don't think little miss would have made it that long in the car. On the train she was quite content, albeit a bit adventurous.

When we got home the next day we were happily surprised that elves had been at work in our home.  They had hung up this great banner and placed cards from the cub scouts and another elf family had stocked our fridge with the essentials.

I feel I have not done a very good job of putting into words how much we appreciate all the different ways people have showed their concern for our family; through emotional support, prayers and many generous deeds.  Please know how much you have all touched and blessed our family.

Thank you with all our hearts!

The Otto Clan

PS.  As you can see he is healing well :-)