Cruising Through Life

I have been with Z every day and every night she was born 2 years ago. I feel blessed to spend so much time with her.

However, Z is work. Toddlers are work; children are work. However, as much work as they are, they are still blessings and when a sticky Z gives you a smile or a warm hug, it makes the work worth it.

The day before my 1st anniversary, Z was born. On my 1st anniversary, it was spent in the hospital. My inlaws and husband had brought a delicious Oreo cheesecake, but I didn’t get to eat it fully as I was interrupted by Z who needed to be nursed. I learned quickly babies needs come first! Also Z was a great anniversary gift!

For our 3rd anniversary, my husband and I went on a cruise – without Z.

So for 3 nights I was away from Z. So I can no longer say I have been with Z every day and night! I wasn’t expecting to miss Z so much, but I did. However, it was a refreshing break from the work that comes with raising a child – toilet breaks, feeding times, nap times, etc. I was able to use the restroom without her, able to do daily tasks without her for 3 days.  Z stayed at my parents house, where my cousins and aunt were visiting, so was lucky to have family to keep her busy. I did feel like I was missing my little shadow though!

I enjoyed the beautiful Bahamas white sand, gorgeous turquoisey ocean, and it truly looked like a picture out of a magazine!

I wish I’d have brought my little Canon digital camera, instead of my bigger bulky Canon, but I couldn’t find it in time. I think the smaller point-and-shoot digital camera is much more practical for the beach, easier to travel with, and you don’t have to worry about sand getting in the lens, etc.

People I Noticed on the Cruise:

On the cruise, I met a young lady from Macedonia who worked there who said she was on the cruise because she had no parents, and had no one to miss. This struck me – rather than moping because I missed Z,  I should feel grateful to have missed Z!

I also met a warm, friendly couple who was unable to have children – the lady had suffered 2 miscarriages, along with endometriosis and the man had had testicular cancer. No matter their circumstances, the 2 seemed genuinely happy with how their lives had turned out, and optimistic for their future. They weren’t glum, depressed, or mopey over their lives and circumstances, but at peace with God’s plan for them.

Meeting these people placed a newfound appreciation in me for their circumstances, and mine. How grateful I should be! I had a rejuvenating time, and am happy to be back with Z and on land again!

“It is God who created the heavens and the earth and sent down rain from the sky and produced thereby some fruits as provision for you and subjected for you the ships to sail through the sea by His command and subjected for you the rivers” (Quran 14:32).