Shelter from the Storm
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 8/30/05
From the first phone call, when Anita answered with "How can we help you?" That is not an uncommon question for the front desk of most establishments to ask, but the genuine sincerity in her voice was followed by REAL help and REAL concern. I had to leave Baton Rouge due to the impending storm, Hurricane Katrina, in a handicap van with my Dad, Mom, and 2 small children. My Dad is a WWII Veteran that is 84 years old, and a paraplegic. We depend greatly on electricity to be able to care for him. From charging his wheelchair to preparing food for him and my 82 year old Mom, as well as providing the NECSSARY air conditioning where the temps run from 90 to 105 this time of year - we knew we had to leave. We tried several cities on our journey North and found no rooms - not any that would accomodate handicap needs, anyway. Then from a long list of available motels in Jonesboro, the name Quality Suites stood out. The advertising had tempted me before to try the chain at different locations, and now was the time to see if they lived up to the ads! Guess what, the ads don't begin to do the job! From the welcome by Anita, to Rebecca who helped me with special needs when we were trying to figure out how to administer Dad's meds away from his normal routine. While meeting Dad and Mom's needs was paramount, the indoor pool and multiple tv's provided much needed entertainment for the little ones. During a time that was very tense - not knowing what we would find on our return home, not traveling with Dad except in an emergency, the horrific traffic conditions we came through due to the evacuation of so many, we can boast of and be very greatful for the very personal way we were received and treated by the employees of Quality Suites Jonesboro. They had many guests from the storm and a family atmosphere was present, but many times this does not extend to the staff of an establishment - it did here. Accomodations for Dad's needs were again met the next morning by the young lady who worked the 3rd shift (who had also taken care of the laundry during her shift, Miranda.) My little ones were treated well, as were the other children in the adjoining rooms. There appeared to be extra tolerance from the staff for families under great tension, with little ones needing to run and play and just be kids. Time to help Mom get Dad dressed, into his chair and to the Hot Breakfast provided by Quality Suites - we don't have to get him out in this rain to get something to eat! Now, THAT is Shelter from the Storm, physically and emotionally!
Ginger Pryor