Finally! The day is almost here! In just two short days, we will board the Carnival Glory out of the port of Miami for our much anticipated 40th anniversary cruise.
I say much anticipated for two reasons. One is obvious. We are fast approaching the time in our lives when we always thought we would be able to take a step back from our careers and begin to focus much more intently on each other, do so serious traveling, celebrate each glorious milestone such as this one as they came along without apprehension.
The other big reason is not as obvious for a couple of our age, late 50’s. Most of you know our history. My wife was diagnosed several years ago with advancing rheumatoid arthritis and was forced to retire from the teaching profession. She does not do exceptionally well with long, confined trips such as our flight to Miami will be. And, as her immune system is compromised due to the rheumatoid and the drugs she must take to combat it, we must be extremely cautious of her at all times. Then there’s me. I got the official word about this time last year that I had LBD and my #$/~@ little buddy has made a constant crusade through my mind since, becoming a little more successful in taking “me” from those I love each day.
It’s this 2nd anticipated reason that has me considering the trip today. My march down this dark path over the past year or so has been fairly rapid. The number of abilities I have lost in such a sort span is scary if you take the time to put hem all together. The added responsibility that puts on my wife is astonishing. And it’s not as though I’m just becoming a lump to ignore, no, that may be somewhat easier. I’m actually quickly reverting to my 2nd childhood, not only unable to fulfill duties I’ve always undertaken throughout our marriage, but I’m fast forgetting to do normal things like turn the stove off, lock the doors, put the eggs in the garbage and the shells in the pan, etc... on top of that, I’m requiring more and more self care help. I’m just becoming more of another child and less of a husband.
Well I’m not going to settle for that for this trip. This is our 40th anniversary and as my wife says, depending on the day, these have been 33-34 of the best years of my life. The others were a little shaky. She thinks she’s funny, laughs at her own jokes a lot. I refuse to be the one cared for on this trip. I want to be in charge of the majority of the itinerary, I enjoy that, she doesn’t, I want to plan the transportation, hold hands as we walk along a warm sandy beach, snuggle on our balcony as we watch the sun set over the ocean’s horizon, stay up late enough to make it to the early dining option then make it to a stage show. I want to be a husband to this wonderful woman at least one last time.
I may be worrying for nothing. We may both do extremely well and this will prove to us that we’re still able to successfully travel, that we’re not just relegated to making the best of it and waiting for the end. That’s the attitude I’m going into this with and I’m sure it’s the one I’ll come home with.
Wish us luck and bon voyage!
