Littleredhead, your story is so contradicting, you state that you have been away working. If you search the web, you can get cheap tickets as low as $59.00 one-way airfare. One thing that I know about some churches is, if you are a regular member and something like this does happen, they will often buy you a ticket without place actual cash in your hand. $500.00 for any ticket be it bus, plane or train is so out fetched these days. May God heal your mother and you as well, in Jesus name, amen.