Monday, December 17, 2018

Monday, December 17, 2018


Tonight's picture is a follow up from the one I posted last night. It was taken in December of 2008. Though this was a sweet photo of Santa and Mrs. Claus coming to visit Mattie, it took great effort for Mattie to lift his head and smile. He was truly exhausted, in pain, and dealing with a fever. Which was why I posted the reality of this scene last night. Without last night's photo, you can't put this one into context. After seeing last night's photo, you have a better appreciation for Mattie's strength and resilience. 






Quote of the day: Let us keep Christmas beautiful without a thought of greed. ~ Ann Garnett Schultz

We opened our window this morning of our hotel room, and could see our ship, The Crown Princess in port. 

Despite the fact that they say you can't board the ship until 1pm, we were on the ship a little after 11am. We got my dad a wheelchair, to make boarding go smoother. In all reality, this made the whole process much easier for all of us, as we by passed the hoards of people waiting to get on board.

We had the wonderful opportunity to listen to the "holly" singers in the atrium. They sang all the classic Christmas songs. It was a highlight of the day!

At around 4:30pm, we set sail for the Bahamas. I got a photo of one of Mattie's drawbridges in motion. He would have absolutely loved this sighting. Naturally, being a Christmas cruise, I see a lot of parents with their children. Several of whom are Mattie's age, and it once again reminds us who is missing from this trip. 

Peter snapped this of the three of us!

The beauty of Fort Lauderdale!

There is a person who lives in this condo! Whenever he sees a ship leave the port, he rings a cow bell. He was on his balcony today, waving, and ringing his bell! He never disappoints.