At first I thought this visit was a crazy idea. It’s not like he can just jump on a train and get here in a few hours. It was quite a feat to accomplish. But when Tom gets an idea into his head, he cannot be stopped. It all started with a FaceTime conversation. He then went to the American Embassy in Rome, trying to get an emergency visa to visit his, “sister” who was in a Russian hospital. That meeting lead him to the Russian Consulate, which finally got him to the hospital, and Anastasia and Dr. Federenko. They prepared the necessary paperwork and boom, he had a visa in no time.
So he was able to book tickets through Brussels and then on to Frankfurt then to Moscow. It did turn out to be a bit of a fiasco, but he made it. Apparently the airport in Brussels does not really care if you miss connecting flights. You have to go through the security line when you arrive from your flight, even if you are just connecting. That is where the problems happened. Tom said half of the people missed their connecting flights. He luckily was able to get onto another airline and made it into Moscow sometime in the early morning hours. I really had no idea whether he made it or not until the next day when he texted me.
He was fortunate enough to get a room at the Vega, where I had contacts who could get him to the hospital, and get him into see me. Sadly I was already in isolation so I could not hug him or touch him. I know more than anything he wanted to give me communion, and the sacrament of the sick, but that requires touching and that if off limits in isolation. But we had a great visit and it was delightful to see him.
And there he is cousin Tom! He had to sit on the outside of the glass in full gown and mask. He was a trooper and it was great to see him!
He really only had 3 days here, and I really wanted him to get out and see some of the city. Remember he had already missed a full day due to the airport problems. So after seeing him the first day, my friend took him out to a flea market, where he got to see some of the local merchants selling their goods. Tom was a bit sad when I told him that the flea market was closed on Monday and Tuesday. I think he wanted to go back. I told him he could get similar items at the hotel and airport, but would pay more. I also offered to help him with somethings on line later.
Tom made it to the Flea market but did not buy anything. I just said, “I guess you will have to return to Moscow one day!”
So day two came and he visited again. We agreed to set up a little prayer novena to say each day and I thought that was nice. My family can use all of the prayers they can get right now! After the visit, he did actually get himself onto the Metro, and go to Red Square and see the Kremlin and St. Basils Cathedral. It was getting late and I really wanted him to get a chance to at least see some of the sights of the city. He got there as the sun was setting and did get some pictures and had a chance to dine at a nice cafe in Red Square. He said the waiter spoke some french, so it gave Tom a chance to practice his French.
Well better late than never! Tom finally made it to Red Square. He got to see the Kremlin and St. Basils Cathedral. I’m so glad he made the trip and got to see a bit of the city too!
It seemed that he really did enjoy that time and Im glad he got to see some of the city. The crazy thing is, I actually got to see him three times while he was here. He came to see me every day of his trip. He even showed up on the morning of his flight. It was a short visit. I didn’t want him to miss his plane! It really meant so much to me to see someone from home. We were so close growing up. Between the three Mac Lean boys and the Trammell girls, it was just like a big group of brothers and sisters.
There we were back in the day! Wish I had a better picture from when we were little. This will have to do for now!
Sadly we don’t get to see them much these days. I’m glad that when Tom gets an idea into his head he doesn’t let go until it comes to fruition. Until we meet again cousin. Safe travels. Love you!