at sea

Things that went right today:
1) early morning run on the treadmill looking out at the ocean
2) attempted the rock wall...failed 2/3 of the way up but had fun trying
3) NAP!
4) watched a napkin folding demonstration.
5) judged the men's belly flop competition...yikes!
6) more quality time with my daughter...the main reason I am here on this cruise.
7) off to a show and the last dinner with our new friends


One of the passengers from our cruise was killed yesterday evening in a freak accident out on one of the excursions. On our way back to the ship we passed his wife, hysterical in the throws of grief and it really shook us up. The crew was doing all they could to comfort and sedate her but there was no mistaking her shock and pain and when you witness that it cuts deeply into your heart. My thoughts naturally turned to my own husband and family and how grateful I am am to have each of them in my life. My 18 year old DS who touches my life with music and great faith, My 17 year old DS who amazes me with his athletic ability and keen studied focus on things that interest him, my 15 year old DD and her compassion for animals and her friendship with me, My 13 year old DS and his never ending willingness to be helpful and offer fellowship to others, My 10 year old DD and her sunny disposition and desire to be obedient and kind, my 8 year old DS and his quick wit and willingness to learn and try new things, my 5 year old DS and his innocence and love for all super heroes which inspires me to try to be one myself, My 3 year old DS and his sense of humor and happy impish smile that makes my heart melt even when he is into trouble, and my 1 year old DS who loves to cuddle with Mommy and play peek-a-boo to make me smile. My life is richer and fuller because of each and every one. I cannot imagine this world anymore without them in it. And how could I say enough about my sweet husband who has helped me build and maintain this family "zoo" for the past 22 years? I have almost no memories in my adult life that don't include him in some way. How could I even begin to measure the influence he has had on shaping my personality and enriching my life? He is my best friend and I love and admire him greatly. I believe that joy is very much centered on love and that love is based on gratitude. I think the moment we realize we truly love someone is the moment we recognize how grateful we are for them and their place in our world. When we celebrate the good in them and forgive the bad. When we strive to build their strengths and are understanding of their weaknesses. When the day seems brighter because they are a part of it. When making them happy makes us feel good too. I am thankful this day for the reminder of how precious my family is to me. I pray for the lovely woman who lost her husband that she will be given the strength and comfort she needs to get through this. Sometimes we lose those we love very unexpectedly and other times it is a long process of saying goodbye, but in either case I think it takes us by surprise when the time comes. Shouldn't we live every day as if it could be the last?...if we love someone TELL them. If we have hurt someone...let's make it right. If we are carrying a grudge..let's forgive. After all...at the end of the day, love is all that really matters.