And the answer is…
We’re going to Baltimore, baby! Dr. Kauh said he thought I’d get good health care at Emory, but if my gut tells me to go to Baltimore, than I should go to Baltimore. This evening I bought one way tickets for MaryBeth and me to travel to Baltimore on August 12th; my name is on the waiting list to stay at subsidized housing at Hopkins; and we have reservations for a communal townhouse near the hospital that costs more, but is still relatively inexpensive. All that to say our travel and lodging issues are settled for the moment.
MaryBeth’s mother is coming down to watch the kids for much of August. Our hope is that we will be back in Atlanta before she has to go back. Luckily, my brother and his wife have volunteered to come down and watch the kids if needed.
I’m also working with people at work so that I can get my name on a list for leave donations. CDC does not have a short term disability program; instead, people can donate excess leave they may have to someone who has some kind of an emergency and no leave. I will zero out my leave by next Friday, so hopefully I can complete the necessary paperwork to make sure I’m covered. Luckily my deputy branch chief has said she will do what is needed to make sure I continue to get paid (which is a very good thing). I know it’s hard to believe there is excess bureaucracy in the Federal government.
Generally speaking, things are pretty stressful right now, so I doubly appreciate your support and well wishes.
Merle