Back in 2003 I returned to Jackson, Mississippi after a crazy day of meetings in Monroe, Louisiana. Like seriously could make a movie out of that day. One of the highlights was a local elected official telling me he could help me get out of a DUI charge should one ever happen...and immediately suggesting a place to meet for drinks to socialize after the meetings. Anyhoo...about 5:30a in the morning I get a call from my dad saying that my grandfather thinks he's having a stroke and won't go to the hospital unless someone accompanies him. I realize there is a 6:15a Southwest nonstop to Vegas and basically said, "race you."

I *think* I grabbed all my stuff and ran to my rental car. Drove it about ten minutes to the airport to leave it at the curb with the keys locked inside. Went straight to the ticket counter and said, "My grandfather is having a stroke and won't go to the hospital if I can't make this flight. Take my credit card and charge it whatever." The agent cooperated and suggested I run to the gate because they had already started boarding. I made it at the tail end of the C-boarding group, and the same agent from check-in told the FAs I needed to sit at the front of the plane, and improbably another passenger granted me that favor. We landed in Vegas approximately two and a half hours later. I ran through the terminal and to the front of the taxi line, and told the person at the front of the line, "this is a medical emergency I need a cab now". I handed the taxi cab driver a $100 bill and told him I'd pay any speeding tickets to get me to my destination pronto; I called 911. The usual 30 minute ride took less than 20 minutes, and the ambulance arrived just before my cab. I offered a $100 tip, and the driver refused and insisted on giving the original $100 back.

My grandfather, again, said he'd only go to the hospital if I would not leave his side until he was discharged. I agreed.

Riding in the ambulance I realize it is just after 8a Pacific time as my phone rings. Dad was still stuck at SFO due to fog. I told him that we were in an ambulance and I was managing things. I spent three days sleeping in a chair upright as promised, occasionally with my head slumbered on his feet...but ultimately my grandfather was discharged and lived about 18 more months.

It took a while before a particular rental car company would forgive me for my sins, but everyone else in the story really saved a life. Hope I never have to do THAT again.