So Blessed

It’s been a week since I returned from a 6-day cruise with my daughter.  Did I actually go away?  Was I swimming in the pristine waters of Mexico?  Was I served gourmet delights each evening for dinner?  Oh, how one week back at work can make all seem like such a distant memory!

Each summer my daughter and I usually take a vacation together, whether a week or a long weekend.  We enjoy getting away from our jobs & daily routine, going to a beach and/or pool, deciding each morning where we will be having dinner (food is always a main activity each day) and tons of chatting and laughing. 

Due to my car accident this past summer – just a couple of days before we were to head out to Montauk – we had to cancel our vacation.  We did so, hoping to reschedule something in the middle to late fall.  My daughter suggested we wait a bit and see if we could plan a cruise – giving ourselves a real treat.

We had an amazing time on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas – cruising on sunny days with average temperatures of 90 degrees – sunning – reading – shopping - snorkeling – going to shows – dancing - and of course consuming more food than any human should attempt.  We visited Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel.  Each had its own special flair of culture and beauty.

I had an absolutely amazing time!  As I think back on all the memories of this special vacation – I am constantly recalling the precious moments with my daughter.  I am so blessed to not only have her as my daughter, but as she has grown into such a beautiful young woman, I have also been given a dear friend for life. 

She brings me such joy and we are able to share so many moments together; our thoughts, dreams, tears and laughter.  Trusting and challenging one another comes so easily for us and sharing our faith brings such a depth to our relationship.  I have watched her grow into an amazing woman of God.  Her desire to serve the Lord, both in our church and all aspects of her life, brings such warmth to my heart. 

Whether visiting each other’s homes, sitting around sharing about our lives, going out for dinner or shopping, or vacationing together – the gift I have been given is priceless.  In this, I am so blessed!