Memories

[mation101]

This is a little sad but also happy.

Both my parents are terminally ill and on hospice care. (That would be the sad part)

This past weekend my Sis and I were going through old photos.(That would be the happy part)

We traveled on RCCL in 1980 Nordic Prince, 1984 Sun Viking, 1985 Song of Norway/Song of America (B2B), 1986 Sitmar (panama canal), 1987 Royal Princess(Japan to San Francisco)

There were alot of cruise pics to say the least. I had forgotten how small and simple the ships were then. I am 42 so I was a teen back then, there were no programs for any kids, but cruising was still a BLAST.

I know pics are pricey on board, but those pics were my favs to look back on, we were all so happy!!

So when you are on-board with family take LOTS of pics, it was really special sitting on the floor rehashing the good times on great ships.

Bon Voyage!!!

[joeyancho]

Mation101, That is very sweet. My story: I sent mom and dad on a cruise for their 40th anniversary. They loved it. Mom bought a beautiful new dress and looked like a million bucks. Someone took thier picture on board. Dad had the biggest smile I ever saw on him. They looked great. He passed away last year. For his memorial service I went thru pictures and found several that I enlarged to display at the service. I wanted everyone to get a sense of his life and see him when he was happy. Needless to say, that picture was included. Everyone said how happy he looked and what a huge smile he had. He did not want to cruise but did it for mom. In the end he asked me if I had anymore tickets. That cruise was one of their happiest memories. It was worth every penny I spent.

[debandbill]

Booked a family cruise in September, 2003 to Alaska. It was a hard flight for my Dad (age 82) from Florida to Vancouver but, he and Mom made it just fine as well as all of our immediate family, some friends and grandchildren. The look on my Daddy's face at dinner with all his chicks nearby was priceless.

He died the next June. I am so happy to have those family pictures from the cruise and all the memories of our time together.

Deb

[mation101]

I think the best part of looking thru the pics was how happy and beautiful they were.

I was showing some of the pics to the caregiver and he couldnt get over what a lovely couple they were and still are.

If Dad want to go lie down Mom insists on being by his side

[PattyG12]

Thanks for sharing Mation ... we all sometimes forget to "live for the moment" ... I never got to cruise with my parents as they were gone way too young. Enjoy the time you have with them and with your own children!!

[atlrefs]

Thank you for sharing, my family and i have a cruise booked for moms 75th birthday next may, you just never know, can't take life for granted.

[Lvs2Cruise2]

My DH's grandmother passed away a month ago and the family took TONS of old pictures and had a video slideshow made of her whole life (she was born in Italy...then came to the U.S.) Then proceeded to show pictures of her 3 children.. and their children.. and their children! It was so moving. It was one of the most beautiful things I've witnessed.. It might be a nice idea to have all of those photos put on a video slideshow.. Then in honor of your parents (especially while they are still here) show it to them. I guarantee there will be so many "happy" tears!! Cherish memories!

[Mikeb123]

Wonderful stories, I worked many years for Kodak and we used to always have competition in the Kodak Recreation Club for photographs. The ones that always stuck out had families in them.

Mike

[TEXASMUNK]

for taking the time to start this thread.

My folks and my wife's folks are now gone, we are the old guys now!
Cherish those times, your post put a smile on my face and warm and wonderful memories came rushing back!
We have had the opportunity of cruising with our kids and some of their kids so I know of what you speak....the smiles just seem bigger and last longer.