Now that both of my parents have passed, I look to other couples that I respect for sage advice. I am taking the advice of Bonnie and Prince Charlie and will enjoy my cruise with my family without guilt.

I have also decided that the computer will be left at home. I am not even going to get internet services while on board. So, don’t look for any new blogs before Sunday, June 8th.

I promise many long diatribes on the four ports of call and three nights at sea when I return and there will be pictures. In fact, I intend for my first picture to be the sunset while we sit in the hot tub leaving Miami – a custom that the Mrs & I have practiced on most of our cruises. This time, we will have Ms. Missingthesmokefreeparadise with us and, who knows, maybe we will meet another newlywed couple as we did on our St. Patrick’s Day cruise five years ago.

One other thing – I intend to find a church in each port of call, with the exception of Half Moon Cay, and light a candle for both Mom & Dad. I figure I will spend a lot of time thinking about them on this trip, as I have been since I first got the news Monday night.

So for now, I sign off. Remember to keep all your loved ones in your prayers and to remember all the brave members of our armed forces, police, firemen and all the others who serve to protect this great nation.

Oh, and fly the flag tomorrow – the original Memorial Day before Congress decided to cheapen the holiday by making it a three day weekend holiday.

From America the Beautiful

O beautiful for heroes prov’d
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life.

God Bless America (and Carnival Cruise Lines)

JustJon