The day was sunny.  After successfully navigating through all procedures to board the ship, we made it.  We got unpacked and began to relax.  The ship is huge!  It is the biggest one on which I have ever been.  The kids were thrilled to run all over to find their bearings.  One of the many things they looked for was the ice cream bar and the 24 hour pizza bar. The video arcade was next.  (I wish they didn’t have one.) I found the library…a quiet place to write. Many different musical groups are of interest to Bill.  There is definitely something for everyone here. There is more on the ship than we will ever be able to do.

     Of course, the food is very good and everywhere.  I have determined to eat responsibly.  I am not going crazy here.  Dinner was wonderful, and I had the salmon.  The kids got dressed…it was casual night.  The casual night here is like what they wear to church so it was nice to have them all dressed nicely.  They all used their manners and I was amazed that they remembered them.  It was a wonderful family meal.  Now, if I could just have someone to cook it for me at home!

     To me the best part is the view.  That is why I picked this trip.  The unbelievable landscape can only point to the Creator. What better way to celebrate life than to see his hand everywhere and know that he is much bigger than a little thing like cancer.  He is everywhere all the time, but when you can see him like this….wow!

     White topped mountains created a ring around the harbor.  Clouds floated lazily by creating shadow pictures on the mountains below.  The lush green mountains were in sharp contrast to the city skyscrapers along the shoreline.  Floatplanes buzzed like bees in a hive of activity as they landed all around us.  The sky was clear blue and the sun was bright.  We watched from the back deck…and from our balcony.  This is why I love this trip.  God’s creation never ceases to amaze me.

     Today we are at sea all day.  Right now, the ship is rocking some, so far, Aaron is not sick.  Outside my window, it is misty with no land in sight.  The waves are swelling so that explains the gentle rocking motion that kept me asleep.  As the day progresses, I am hoping the sun will break through.  This afternoon we will be on the inside passage so the rolling of the waves will settle.

Spectacular.  That is the only word I can think of to describe Victoria ’s Burchart Gardens .  The flowers were amazing and many were in full bloom.  This garden was started when a woman had the vision to fill in the hole her husbands quarry made.  It is now one of the most beautiful sunken gardens in the world with over 1 million visitors a year.  The path leads to the edge with an incredible view down into the garden.  There are many steps as you wind into the hole.  The paths then go in several directions each with its own plush grassy area filled with flowers and trees of all colors.  One area had a waterfall tumbling into a pond.  Another had a fountain.  One of the old kilns from the cement factory, is a living garden monument to the days of old.  Spectacular.

Then you enter the Rose Garden.  Thousands of roses from all over the world give off a scent that you smell long before you enter….even though there were only a few in bloom.  All colors, from crimson red, to yellow, to pink with red tips.  I cannot even imagine what it would be like in a few weeks when all of them are blooming.  Spectacular.

The Japenese Garden is next on the map.  The entire thing is covered in moss as a ground cover and canopy trees make you feel as if you are in a secluded, wooded area in Japan .  Water runs around every curve with layers of small waterfalls and ponds all long the way.  There are little Japanese trees, bridges and little huts with private places to sit and rest.  Spectacular.

Next is the Italian Garden with a star pond as its centerpiece.  Flowers bloom and there is sculpture in the pond.  Another reflection pool is filled with Lily pads in full bloom.  Spectacular.  The whole experience was one of wonder and amazement.  The boys, who were complaining about having to visit a garden, were the last to board our bus.  All were complaining that they didn’t have enough time!  It was acres and acres of beauty all in one place.  They have over 50 gardeners!

 If we had it to do over, we would have stayed the entire day and watched the fireworks in the evening.  It was only a short part of our longer tour of the Island of Victoria . The experience of riding a big ferry was new to all of us.  It was a beautiful ride across to the Island , though in the morning it was cold and rainy, by the time we arrived it was overcast and warmer.  Our tour through the gardens was the perfect temperature.  Then when we got to town the sun broke through for our shopping time.  On the way back across the on the ferry, the sun was setting over the ocean.  It was a spectacular day!     

We made it!  I am writing as I sit in my hotel room in Vancouver , B.C. Canada .  We had a remarkably smooth trip this morning.  We awoke at 4:45 to a harsh alarm clock, after barely sleeping.  The grogginess quickly wore off as we realized, this was it…the day we leave.  Loading our 13 bags of luggage proves to be our biggest issue.  We managed somehow, with 4 sleepy children, to make the 6:00 shuttle.  After arriving at the airport, the international desk was a quick 15 minutes.  On to security where we had all of our bags checked, shoes off, laptops removed, and bodies scanned.  We got to our gate a full hour and ½ before our 8:45 flight.  As we were waiting, Peter was watching planes take off from out of the window.  He was fascinated and we enjoyed his enthusiasm. 

We boarded the plane and were off by 9:00.  Both William and Peter were first time flyers and gave the thumbs up as they watched the ground disappear.  On route, we got “cloud updates” from Peter who peaked under his shade to monitor our progress.  First, it was hazy, then a total white fog, and finally we broke through the clouds.  We saw the Rocky mountain peaks beneath us covered in snow.  The 5 ½ hour flight landed on time and we made it through customs without a hitch.  Finding a taxi, or two, that could hold all of us, and our luggage caused a 20-minute delay but eventually we made the 30-minute trip to the hotel. 

Our rooms were ready so we made a dash for the elevator and warmer clothes…it is 50 degrees here!  We had our first food of the day…no meals served on our flight only peanuts…so we were starved!  I just woke up from my nap and I am a much happier camper now.  The dark clouds and wind tell us that it has been stormy here, but now the sun has broken through.  The mountains are visible in the distance over the water.  It is still windy and nippy with the threat of rain however, it is a beautiful city.  Our hotel has a balcony on the 16^th floor with a spectacular view of the area.  We plan to be out this evening and sight see for a brief time before finding a place to eat, then to bed to crash.  Our trip to Victoria begins at 8:45 in the morning!

Today is the day of hope and planning…the day we leave for our trip to Alaska .  When I was at chemo one day, I had an idea.  I needed something to look forward to because cancer imprisons you in the now.  I knew that Jeremiah 29:11 was true.   “I know the plans I have for you.  Plans not to harm you, but to give you hope and a future.”  That is our family verse. 

The second part of that verse…give you hope and a future…stood out to me.  I knew to beat cancer I had to look ahead to the positive to the future.  So, I began to plan this trip for a time that I knew I would be better.  It gave me something to do on my bad days that took my mind off of the yuck. It was my hope.

Cancer also realigned my priorities.  I desire to build memories with my family. That is important to me.  This trip will build memories. Someday when I am gone (I plan that to be when I am 100) the memories will remain. This is my future.

Hope and a future are so much more than a trip…but in this moment it is an accomplishment and a dream realized.

Off we go!  Check in here and I will try to paint a picture for you as we go...

The leaves are rushing, sounding like a quiet roar as they blow in the wind.  In between the roars, you can hear the birds chirping.  I wonder what they say to one another. One sings and then there is a shrill reply.  I think they are talking about the beautiful day.  The cool air is moving over my skin refreshing and crisp. I think I can understand why the birds are singing joyfully.  Trees surround me in all shades of green.  They seem to dance with one another, just as the birds are singing.  Wooden arms raised to the sky as the dance continues with abandon.  Is it my imagination or is this forest alive?  Does it have something to teach?

  Trying to answer my question, another gusty roar silences everyone but the leaves.  I listen to the wind.  It is speaking.  The birds hear.  The trees hear.  The leaves hear.  Can I hear?  Do I know the words of the wind? 

Now all is still.  The birds take the stage for a concert.  There are many different parts, but one song.  Beautifully they sing it and in the chorus, the leaves join in.  Swishing, chirping, and blowing are the instruments in this peaceful Sunday symphony.  It is as if they are playing for an audience.  Each plays their part perfectly and with each measure, the sun brightens with dusty rays flowing to the ground.  Shining through the dancing leaves creates a light show to highlight the sounds of the symphony.  I could think that this concert is for me but I know better.  I know that the creator, director, and conductor is the Holy Spirit.  He is the voice of the wind.  I hear his words, “All creation testifies to the Glory of God.”  Today the creation is testifying as I watch and learn.  They are singing their praises to their audience of one.  While God is their only audience, I am a benefactor of their worship of him.  I hear their words…“live fully to worship him.”

I am counting down the days to Alaska!  Only 7 more to go.  The kids are starting to catch the vision.  We have been shopping this week for new clothes.  I haven't bought the little boys much in a couple of years...a pair of pants here or there.  They were both deparately in need of everything.  They will be sharp now though! 

I am stressed at all I have to do and how little time to do it.  We are making a run to Charlotte this weekend.  Just up and back to see the doctor because this is the Saturday he is working.  The timing is very bad, but we haven't been in a long time because of my illness.  I am also trying to work ahead by three weeks for my graduate class so that I won't have to do assignments while I am gone.  That is proving to be difficult but I have two of my papers done already.  Only two more to go...I have a paper each week.  The great thing about online classes is that you can do them anywhere...even Alaska...if you have the internet.  I write everything for the next three weeks ahead so that all I have to do it post it on the correct day. Now you can see why I haven't been writing as much on the blog the past few days!

 Our post planning at school lasts until Friday!  Ugh!  It is so frustrating when I have so much I need to do at home. It is unusually long this year.

Bill is taking a Maymester...an entire semester crammed into one month.  He goes all day, every day and the homework is killing him.  It is a Jazz history and improvosation class.  He finishes the day before we leave.  Whew!  It is a whirlwind here...living fully...

The holiday has incredible meaning, especially in light of recent events in our community.  I find it hard to believe that anyone would not recognize the sacrifice of our servicemen, even in peacetime.  I think we take our lives for granted and have no understanding of military life...unless you have lived it. 

It is hard to comprehend all that they give up.  They leave spouses and children behind for months at a time, sometimes even years.  They move every two years sometimes more often.  Have you ever moved?  If you have, you know what a major undertaking that is. If three moves is the equivilent of a fire, what is 16 moves equivilent to?  The families of servicemen know how it works.  They have learned to make moves as smooth as possible, but that does not change the sacrifices they make.  The children have been uprooted and uprooted until they do not know where they belong.  When orders come they are followed.  No questions asked.  It is a hard life.  One that civilians no nothing about. The very least we can do is to say "thank you" one day a year.  Hopefully, we do it more often than that.  Thank you to the families and the men that work hard so that we can have a holiday in their honor and in their memory.  Do not forget the ones that died...and their families...that is why Memorial Day was created. 

Servicemen at our church were recognized today.  As they returned to their seats, people stepped out to hug them and shake their hands.  Hearing people say thank you outloud brought tears to many of these men and womens eyes.  Is it so unusual for them to hear?  It acknowledges their lives and the part the military played in their lives.  When you ask an active duty soldier what they need in Iraq, they will tell you prayers and thanks.  The letters from school children are their favorites, I have been told they love the letters because it reminds them of why they go, and why they fight...so the children can remain innocent and childlike.  In other countries children are older than their years.  They have watched people die since they were toddlers.  Our servicemen do not want our children to have to live in that kind of a world. They hate war more than the people at home do.  They have seen it up close.  They know the damage it creates.  They can taste the fear and yet they serve with courage...for you and me. 

  People in the military are normal everyday people.  They do the same things we do everyday.  There are probably people you see each day that were in the military at one time or another.  There were several today that stood and came forward that I never knew served.  When you meet one, or their family please say thank you. And when you know a family that has lost one say a prayer.    

Sixteen years ago today I was in labor about to birth our first son.  It seems like yesterday.  I know they say time moves faster when you get older and I am finding it to be true.  Aaron was my first big baby and he paved the way for the ones after him...he still does.  I am grateful on this day to be here to celebrate with him.  There is a new perspective about birthdays. It is not about the stuff but about making memories.  We went to Red Lobster for lunch...his favorite resturant.  Then to see the new Pirates of the Caribean movie.  We went back to Skitts Mountain for swimming at the Gunnins where we had cake and ice cream.  It was just us and his girlfriend.  It was a good day.  In a few weeks, after our trip to Alaska, he will be taking his drivers test and getting a car.  He will taste freedom in a new way and I will let go a little more.  It is sad for them to grow up but at the same time it is the right thing.  Bittersweet.  New challenges ahead.  Happy Birthday Aaron.

It's over!  It's over!  I will tell you that teachers look for the end of the year more that students.  It is not that we don't love them....but it is a high pressure job.  The down time of the summer is a much needed break, and it is here!  That means I will be leaving for Alaska in just a few days.  Now the pressure of getting ready to go!  In life there is always some kind of pressure.  🙂

Tonight I sit on my back porch listening to the sounds of dogs barking in the distance, and cricket chirping.  I love this porch.  We had a candle light dinner out here tonight and I decided to stay.  I has been a hard two days at work.  Today was a half day and it seemed to take twice as long as a whole one.  There have been discipline issues with one of my students.  The law was involved and the family who was all for punishment yesterday, changed their minds today.  Today it is the teachers fault.  Pulling us from our end of year party to demand an apology...rough day.  Our superintendent was called and now there is an investigation of what we did in the situation.  It is a terrible way to end the year, being questioned.  I fully believe that we were professional in our handling of the issue.  I know that has already come out in our written report.  It is just the idea that I hate.  That after all we poor into these kids...this one in particular...our motives are still questioned.  It is part of being a teacher.  A bad part.  The public feels it has the right to come in during a party and call you down.  Then they are offended when you refuse to bow to their pressure.  Bad day.  Maybe tomorrow, this will be resolved and the last day of school will be salvaged.

Word of Advice

Parents that are reading...please put yourself in the position of the teacher before you barge into a classroom on the attack.  Think about how you would complain to a doctor or lawyer.  I don't think you would run into their office while they were with another client or patient and yell at them in front of the other person.  Please do not do this to your teachers.  We really do love children and want the best for them.