Tonight's picture was taken on February 10, 2009. Mattie was home between treatments and trying hard to take a few steps with his posterior walker. Truly Mattie was very brave, courageous, and a fighter. Given the intense pain he was in, it truly was remarkable that he even complied with our request to use his legs and try to walk. Of course back then, our goal was for a cure and to get Mattie back to his pre-cancer life. However, now I know more, because even if he had survived, he would have faced a lifetime of physical and mental health consequences.
Quote of the day: We’re no longer on a cruise. Those days are gone. ~ David Abel (passenger on the Diamond Princess)
No matter what country you are living in, the coronavirus means something to you. This week, thousands of passengers abroad a Princess Cruise in Japan were quarantined. Quarantined for two weeks mind you! That may not sound so bad, as we all have visions of cruising as having access to non-stop food, entertainment, and excitement. True, under normal circumstances. But this is far from normal.
Are you getting this? This 80 year old passenger was NOT on this current cruise. He was on a previous cruise and yet the virus lingered on the ship and the next set of passengers voyaging on the ship contracted the disease. Imagine going on vacation, being away for two weeks and then on your last vacation day you learn that you aren't returning home! Instead, you have to remain on board the ship (confined to your room) for another two weeks. Which equates to a non-planned month away from home.
Having just gotten back from a Christmas cruise and being very familiar with Princess Ships, I can't imagine being isolated to a cabin room for two weeks. I feel for all the passengers with inside cabins, those traveling with small children, and those who need medications for daily living. Fortunately I read that Princess Cruises has risen to the occasion and is filling all prescriptions for free for passengers. Passengers are getting free phone and wifi services and now meals are steadily being delivered to passenger cabins. But it sounds like the first day or so, meal service wasn't consistent. Makes me think that I may need to travel with back up food when going on a cruise. A thought that would have never crossed my mind before this incident!
Here is a Time Magazine video interview with an American Couple aboard the Diamond Princess (click on the photo below).
Interview with David Abel (British Citizen). Take note that they are in a mini-suite. Regular cabin rooms are much smaller! Click on the photo below to see the video.
Princess Cruises Notices:
https://www.princess.com/news/notices_and_advisories/notices/diamond-princess-update.html
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