Cruising with a heavy heart

[SailBabySail]

We sail in just 12 days on the Gem and I was so excited up until now. This is the third year in a row that just before our cruise there is a natural disaster of some kind. This year the flooding of the Mississippi and the devastating tornado outbreaks in the midwest have left me with a sense of guilt that I just can't shake. I am heartbroken for those folks. How can I go on a wonderful cruise and enjoy myself when so many have nothing left?

[RYMOMA]

Next year instead of booking a cruise, and feeling horribly guilty over something you had no control over.

offer to work a week at habitat for humanity or some other chartiable organization

[shof515]

donate to red cross or a local charity :)..that always helps

[slotaddict]

Its absolutely true what you are saying...It is difficult to know that so many people living in our great country have nothing...Another round of storms today for people in Oklahoma...its just terrible...

 

I would suggest making a contribution to whomever is collecting money for this worthy cause....although quite frankly I have heard nothing about donating to the cause...or in the alternative if you have any time that you can spare when you come back, perhaps you could volunteer your time to help with the cleanup...

 

These people from what I have seen, will put their lives back together with perhaps some help from those of us who have so much they seem very resiliant...I hope you find some way to give back and still enjoy yourself on your vacation....

[dolphin lady]

My husband & I went on a cruise out of Boston three days after 9/11 hit.

I know just how you feel..We felt the same thing at that time.

However, we also felt that disaster could hit us at any time in our life and I wouldn't want other people to feel guilty about taking a vacation.

Unless you could help personally, staying at home feeling guilty does not help them...Go on your cruise and keep these people in your prayers.

[cb at sea]

"Natural disasters" happen everyday, and have since time began. I understand your heavy heart, but stuff happens! It's just that it's so visible now. In the past, you might never have known about it...but nowadays, with internet and a zillion news agencies, it's alway right in your face. The only solution, besides helping or donating funds is to stop watching the news, and reading the paper and internet!

[SailBabySail]

"Natural disasters" happen everyday, and have since time began. I understand your heavy heart, but stuff happens! It's just that it's so visible now. In the past, you might never have known about it...but nowadays, with internet and a zillion news agencies, it's alway right in your face. The only solution, besides helping or donating funds is to stop watching the news, and reading the paper and internet!

 

Your words are so true. I think since I was able to put my thoughts down here and, with the encouragement you have all shown, I am feeling a little better about things. That said I will concentrate on what I hope will be the best cruise ever.

[shepherdqueen]

Your words are so true. I think since I was able to put my thoughts down here and, with the encouragement you have all shown, I am feeling a little better about things. That said I will concentrate on what I hope will be the best cruise ever.

 

Do have a good time and enjoy yourself! And, again, remember to count your blessings!

[cntwait2cruz]

OP...I understand the feelings you have, while I don't sail for a couple of months yet, I have family near the affected area in Joplin who has other family and friends who were affected. It is hard to watch and not do anything, I know as a church family we have Week of Compassion ministries that are in place to donate to for just these kinds of disasters. The one good piece of advice we got from their website was "Pray, Pay, and Stay". Pray for the people, donate if possible, and stay home until a time when unskilled labor is needed for rebuilding.

 

May we all keep everyone who is struggling with disaster around the world in our hearts and prayers but for our own sanity we must continue to live our lives as they would theirs if the situations were reversed. God Bless.

[Love Overboard]

Next year instead of going on a cruise take the cost and donate the same amt. to charity.

[radzer0]

Think of all the small local guys you will be helping on your cruise. Remember, hurricanes get them almost every year in one way or another.

[SailBabySail]

"Natural disasters" happen everyday, and have since time began. I understand your heavy heart, but stuff happens! It's just that it's so visible now. In the past, you might never have known about it...but nowadays, with internet and a zillion news agencies, it's alway right in your face. The only solution, besides helping or donating funds is to stop watching the news, and reading the paper and internet!

 

My husband said virtually the same thing you did cb at sea and you are both right...I see that now. Thank you.

[SailBabySail]

OP...I understand the feelings you have, while I don't sail for a couple of months yet, I have family near the affected area in Joplin who has other family and friends who were affected. It is hard to watch and not do anything, I know as a church family we have Week of Compassion ministries that are in place to donate to for just these kinds of disasters. The one good piece of advice we got from their website was "Pray, Pay, and Stay". Pray for the people, donate if possible, and stay home until a time when unskilled labor is needed for rebuilding.

 

May we all keep everyone who is struggling with disaster around the world in our hearts and prayers but for our own sanity we must continue to live our lives as they would theirs if the situations were reversed. God Bless.

 

I am so sorry for your friends and family to have to go through this and of course prayers are forthcoming for them as well.

[SailBabySail]

Just a quick note to all of you....Thank you all so much for your comforting words. I think I can handle it now. I know I am doing my part with prayers and donations. The rest is up to Him. Again, thank you for being here. You are all really nice folks.

[hillbilly73]

We sail in just 12 days on the Gem and I was so excited up until now. This is the third year in a row that just before our cruise there is a natural disaster of some kind. This year the flooding of the Mississippi and the devastating tornado outbreaks in the midwest have left me with a sense of guilt that I just can't shake. I am heartbroken for those folks. How can I go on a wonderful cruise and enjoy myself when so many have nothing left?

 

 

Twenty minutes after returning home from my brothers tornado damaged home back east the call came in from Joplin and was heading there. Appreciate that you can go on a cruise you never know when it might be you that faces adversity. Charites all over the country have to be stretched thin please make a donation before you go.

 

By the way there are no better people in the world than folks from the midwest I am payed for my work but most of the folks including my daughter are volunteers and more heading there everyday. So don't feel guilty that you are not there. Please donate and enjoy your cruise we wish we could go with you.

[BarbRN]

I see how you feel but all the more reason to grab what happiness you can while you still can. Each day is a gift.

[Planmaam]

I, too, understand your compassion, and agree that donations and prayers are the best most of us can do at this time.

 

For any of you thinking about going to the affected areas, I want to emphasize what cntwait2cruz said; stay away until they give the call for unskilled help.

 

I was part of a 5-person team that went to Del City, Oklahoma after the tornado in 2000. As a building inspector, we assisted the city with the Rapid Assessments that have to be done before the owners of the property are even allowed back into the area. It was awful to see people just want back on their property to get what they could and have to make sure they did not. It was amazing that even with nothing but a pile of rubble left, you had to complete all the proper documentation for each structure: roof condition (gone), gas turned off, electric meter turned off, etc. But it is necessary. So if we leave the officials to do their work, it will be completed more quickly so that the residents can once again have access to their property, whatever is left.

[donaldsc]

We sail in just 12 days on the Gem and I was so excited up until now. This is the third year in a row that just before our cruise there is a natural disaster of some kind. This year the flooding of the Mississippi and the devastating tornado outbreaks in the midwest have left me with a sense of guilt that I just can't shake. I am heartbroken for those folks. How can I go on a wonderful cruise and enjoy myself when so many have nothing left?

 

There is a natural disaster every day somewhere in the world. There is nothing that you can do about it.

 

You have 2 options - sit home and mope and feel sorry for the world or go and enjoy yourself and do not worry about it. I vote for option 2.

 

DON

[hillbilly73]

Sorry I wasn’t clear on my post didn’t mean to sound like people were just showing up although lookers made it difficult to get in and make the assessments I had to do the first night. No don’t just get in your car and drive to any catastrophic event. I was refering to planned groups putting themselves under the authority’s and set up before they go. Some are skilled some are not.

[mitsugirly]

My husband & I went on a cruise out of Boston three days after 9/11 hit.

I know just how you feel..We felt the same thing at that time.

However, we also felt that disaster could hit us at any time in our life and I wouldn't want other people to feel guilty about taking a vacation.

Unless you could help personally, staying at home feeling guilty does not help them...Go on your cruise and keep these people in your prayers.

 

Very well put! :)

 

Go on your cruise and have a good time and cherish every moment of it because you never know if the disaster might happen to you and you won't be able to enjoy it anymore.

[wrp96]

My bosses neighborhood was hit by a tornado last month. She and several of her neighbors are taking a vacation together next month - because they need to know that there are still happy things in life. Life goes on and they don't want to be victims forever. While many people want and need your help - and you should do what you can - you shouldn't let this take the joy out of your life.

[gooch47]

Back when Hurricane Charlie devastated the Florida central Gulf coast, we made it a point to go there after things calmed down and patronize the small businesses. The motels, the restaurants, even the grocery stores, etc. to help these people get back on their feet. I know they appreciated it, they told us so.

 

Maybe you could plan a small vacation to one of the stricken areas to help them recover financially. Not immediately, of course, but after things get at least partially back to normal.

[Toyz711]

our floods are going down (didn't effect me, except for being off work for 10 day...but the casino paid us while we were off). the last of the tunica casinos are opening this weekend. people are going back to work...just need the guest to fill the hotels and play the games. some of the memphis support groups...like the ones that were running the shelter for the animals...are moving over to missouri to help with tornado clean-up. so much destraction...floods, tornados. but not cruising and not having joy in your life doesn't help. you have to keep on with your life and help when you can.

[4774Papa]

I understand your feelings, but somewhere in the World there is going to be a tragedy. It might be a Tsunami hitting a nuke facility in Japan, Tornado in the Midwest or Hurricane in the Gulf. Time to moveon.

[chezbo99]

A huge earthquake and then a tsunami occurred in Chile, the day we boarded the Sun for a cruise from Buenos Aires to Santiago, last year. I struggled with guilt of being on a cruise when people had lost their lives, homes and loved ones. After deep reflection that first night on the ship, I realized that my not fully enjoying the amazing experiences available wouldn't make anything better for anyone in Chile. I realized how lucky I was to have this opportunity and decided to fully enjoy and appreciate every moment. I also knew that as soon as I got home I could send a donation to Habitat for Humanity and make a small difference.

 

Enjoy your cruise...every minute of it!