Help me see my estranged dad before its too late.

**Update. Thanks to some amazing generosity we reached our goal in less than 24 hrs. That was the estimate of the cost if me going alone. Well, Gera has parents who are in Arkansas as well and I think we can work it out that she gets to go too. Found some cheap flights from Tampa-Dallas, the room will be the same whether she goes or not, but I am really hoping she can join me. Thank u for all the genmn Hey everyone. I am doing this with a very humble heart and hope the reason I have is good enough. Me and my father had a falling out years ago. I have always wished things could have gotten better, but I know we are both pretty hard headed so we have been out of touch for a while. After speaking with my brother last night, I am learning that my dad is not doing good at all. He had a stroke recently and is now dealing with 2 different cancers. He is undergoing chemo but his body is taking a heavy toll. My brother reached out to me basically to say, if you are going to see him and make things right, it's gotta be now. I agree. That LAST thing I want is to lose my dad without repairing the relationship between us. So... I am hoping to make a trip to Arkansas for a couple days to see him , have a long talk, and probably say my final goodbye. Right now though, money's a little tight with the new business getting off the ground and the wife in between jobs. So I am humbly asking you, my friends, for anything you can spare to help me make this trip.

I have 2 Options:

1. FLY myself there. Get a small rental car. Then I'm thinking 2 nights in a hotel near my where my dad is.

Flight $479, 2 day Rental car $231, Hptel $168 food etc $100

Total $978. *also, Gera will not have a car at home if I drive the trip. And she just got a new job. :-(

Or..

2. I Drive up. (16+hr each way) Gas estimate of $250. Hotel midway of trip each way $168 Hotel during stay $168

- $678

*any funds over what us needed will be used to bring Gera along if she can come

.

I don't mind driving, maybe even straight through if helps with affordability. A flight though would give me roughly an extra 20 hours to be with family rather than in a car on the road. But..... I will take whatever I can get that helps to get me there to see my father before it's too late. If timing were a little different, and maybe I could foot the bill. But right now I'm afraid time isn't on my side. Any help appreciated . Thank you everyo

Your friend

Mike