April 1, 2011
Hello Everyone ~
This month, I am going to divert a bit from our cruise to Canada/New England. Instead, I would like to share with you an article that I wrote several years ago about cruising with my parents. I’ve been thinking how much this trip meant to us and thought it would be nice to reminisce with you. This newsletter is dedicated to my parents—Harvey and Frances. I love you Mom and Dad.
Three weeks ago our lives changed dramatically. We think my Dad had a stroke. I say “think” because we do not have that definitive diagnosis yet – but all indications are that is what happened. During these past few weeks as I have sat at the hospital and at the convalescent care facility with my Mom, brother and my husband, I have been reminded how precious our time together is. And, it has reminded me that we never know what tomorrow will bring and to take advantage of every moment that we have together. Today is my birthday; and I got the best present of all – my Dad stood up by himself and took a step! It doesn’t get better than that! We take so much for granted and sometimes it is good to step back and remember.
Barb
Harv and Fran – Then and Now
Don’t Let Your Parents Tell You “No”Have you ever said to yourself that you wished you had asked your parents or grandparents more about what it was like for them growing up?
Several years ago, my husband and I asked my parents to go on a cruise with us. We thought that going on a cruise would be a perfect opportunity to get away for a few days and spend some quality time together. But, we had to sell them on the idea.
I’m a Baby Boomer; and if your parents are like mine, you have probably heard that they feel that they cannot travel anymore. My parents told me that it would be too difficult. My Mom has Parkinson’s disease and my Dad has every kind of arthritis known to mankind. Getting around is not easy for either one of them. But, Mom wanted to see Glacier Bay – and so it was, we booked a cruise to Alaska! Once we boarded the ship and unpacked, our wonderful journey began.
This ended up being one of the best cruises we’ve ever been on. Not because of the itinerary, not because of anything other than it was a chance to spend some quality time with my parents.
My Dad had done some genealogy research and so we had some basic information. We knew that there would be time during the cruise to bring this up in the conversation. And, so it was…Once we sat down and asked them the first few questions, we were greeted with smiles and all sorts of stories. One story would trigger another memory and another and another. They enjoyed sitting in their deck chairs; and I couldn’t write or type fast enough. We talked about their childhood, their memories of growing up during the Depression, and memories they had of their parents or grandparents. The stories we heard were fascinating. After the first time when we sat down they started asking us “What time are we going to do this again?
Think about doing something like this with your parents or grandparents before it’s too late. Don’t let your parents tell you “no”. Plan that family reunion or 90th birthday celebration! Dance one more time with your Mom or Dad or Grandma or Grandpa. Take one more picture. Live, laugh and love each other. Take advantage of your time together and find the time to sit down and ask them those questions that you’ve been telling yourself that you have been meaning to ask. Bring a thick pad of paper and plenty of pens and enjoy what is about to unfold before you.
Post note: In 2011 we started having Sunday is for Family Day. We lost Jim’s Dad last summer. Since then, we have tried to spend our Sundays with Jim’s mother, my parents or our children and grandchildren. We have heard fascinating stories of how our parents grew up during the Depression and World War II. We have celebrated the birth of our newest grandchild, Jacob (born on Super Bowl Sunday!), and we have made a point of being with our family on Sundays. Now, more than ever, we can see how precious our Sundays are. Please don’t wait to do this with your family. Get out your picture albums and laugh and reminisce – and enjoy each other. You never know what tomorrow may bring.
Believe me – you’re gonna love it; and so will they. It will be the memory of a lifetime!
