What a Difference a Few Days can Make
Last week I went on a cruise out of Charleston with a group of eight friends. We had a great time and are already beginning to plan for another one.
We were at sea for several days on the way to an island paradise, only to have to take a little side trip to Nassau. One of the other young guests on the ship decided to peer over the side railing stairs and wound up five floors below with a number of broken ribs and a bruised ego. Since the island we were headed to was basically deserted we went to Nassau instead for a day of shopping and exploring while the young man was treated at the local hospital.
This time a week ago the seas were fairly calm…at least most of the time. There were a few thunderstorms but none that really tossed us too much. I was out for an early walk one morning and noticed the winds were picking up. A friendly but persistent crew member asked me to come on in. The winds had gotten too strong on deck to be walking out there…a perfect excuse for cutting my walk short that day.
What a difference a few days can make. Today, the seas are due to be visited by a tropical disturbance which has already killed over 80 people…and that’s BEFORE it hit the Bahamas.
Then, there was getting back to the realities of life. A few pounds gained, a few dollars spent, more than a few memories held in our minds that were fun, carefree, and enjoyable.
Life does change quickly. My friend, George, lost his canine companion, Coco, while I was gone. I’ve only even known George with Coco by his side. I was saddened to learn she died Friday while I was on the cruise. If I had a dog, I would want that dog to be just like Coco. I will miss her frolicking, loving ways and am so glad I had a chance to be part of her life. I share this picture I took of her right before I left for the cruise. It has become even more special now.
Yes, life can change quickly. I guess that’s the reason each day should be as full of joy, adventure and love as possible. A 100 year old may was interviewed recently and asked what wisdom he would like to share with us. He said, two things were important. To love and respect as much as possible.
My wish for you today is that you are able to wake up each morning and share as much love and respect with others as possible. We may not all live to be 100, but there’s a great deal of love and respect we can share with others along the way.
~ Joellen