Sad news and request for info...

MrMike · #1 12-17-2004, 02:33 PM

For those of you who know my grandmother Barbara of restaurant Cosa Nostra fame, this would be a good time to keep her in your prayers.

She is in the hospital in California with an inoperable tumor, at present it is fairly certain that she will pass soon. Emotionally she is a very strong woman, I spoke to her this morning and she is in good spirits considering she is perfectly aware of her situation, her sense of humor is still very healthy.

My question is this: I will be going to California tomorrow to see her, and I would like to bring my wife with me but she is Dominican and has no visa. I have been told that there is no expidited visa process for a situation like this, does anyone know otherwise? At this point it is obvious my wife would have to come along later - I just hoped it wouldn't be so much later htat she wouldn't get to speak with her mother-in-law at all. I called the embassy several times and the best response I could get was: "we can maybe schedule you a rush interview for the end of January". I expected as much but want to exhaust every possible source of information before giving up.

AnnaC · #2 12-17-2004, 02:55 PM

Hi Mike
My prayers are with you and your family at this time.. Is this the grandmother you wanted to spend Thanksgiving with? I hope you did.

I'm sorry I can't help with your other question but will pray for the best.

MrMike · #3 12-17-2004, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anna Coniglio

Hi Mike
My prayers are with you and your family at this time.. Is this the grandmother you wanted to spend Thanksgiving with? I hope you did.

I'm sorry I can't help with your other question but will pray for the best.

Yes I did spend Thanksgiving with her, thank you Anna.

BushBaby · #4 12-17-2004, 03:21 PM

Hello Mike & SO sorry to hear your sad news.

I don't think for one moment that Bill Kirkman's office in Puerto Plata will be able to do anything to expurdite matters but it MAY be worth a try getting hold of him at Sea Horse Ranch & asking his opinion of whom you might contact to put a bit of influence on the Embassy in Santo Domingo.

A few years ago I had cause to liaise with the US Embassy & found the distinctly unhelpful until a Senator or Congressman/woman got involved. Do you know the Senator/Congreeperson in YOUR old local or that of your Grandmother? If so, an e-mail/phonecall to them MIGHT elicit some help!! I am sure the mention of some press coverage (good AND bad) might help things along a bit!!! The VERY best of luck to you, I hope you get some better news re your Grandmother & success in getting your wife up to see her very soon! ~ Grahame.

AnnaC · #5 12-17-2004, 04:16 PM

Thanks for sharing that picture Mike. Ever since you said "how many people in their 30's still have grandparents" I've thought about it. Kind of stuck to my mind because my kids no longer have grandparents.

So glad you spent the time with them.

Pib · #6 12-17-2004, 04:43 PM

No advice from me, just my very best wishes MrMike.

Hlywud · #7 12-17-2004, 05:22 PM

Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Hlywud

Hillbilly · #8 12-17-2004, 05:42 PM

I know Barbs and Bud. We played a bit of golf together and always had fun. She's a great cook and meals at Cosa Nostra will never be the same.

God speed. Give them both our love. Stay close to Bud. He is losing his best friend and mate of 50+ years...You have to be the strong one now.

HB with heavy heart.

Escott · #9 12-17-2004, 08:46 PM

Well nothing to add to our conversation today but my thoughts are with you and your family.
Scott

MommC · #10 12-17-2004, 10:10 PM

Our thoughts are with you and hopefully you;ll be able to get a visa! We'll send a prayer up for that to happen quickly!