This last year has been a tough one. Most of you don’t know this, but in March 2016, my stepdad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I’m happy to report that he’s doing well, but he has stage 4 cancer nonetheless. We recently received news that his cancer has spread, and needless to say, 2017 has been terrible so far. With that being said, I wanted to do some really special for my mom this year. Despite my stepdad’s diagnosis in 2016, my mom was always there for Matt and I during our wedding planning. She always puts us first no matter what and it’s time for me to give back to her. I thought her birthday and Mother’s Day this year would be the perfect chance to give her something amazing. So I did. I surprised her with a cruise…and I got it all on video!
The original plan was to take mom to the Bahamas. When we sat down to plan it, we decided on the Caribbean. We fly to Florida on May 31 (yes, in just three weeks!) then we disembark from Tampa on June 1st. Our cruise heads to Cozumel, Mexico and we come back on June 5th. It’s going to be AMAZING to say the least. We’ll be cruising on the Carnival Paradise.
To surprise my mom, I gave her clues, which included flip flops, a beach towel and a pirate card. Then I made a little sticker book for her. The last two pages say, “Mom, I’m taking you…on a cruise to the Bahamas!”
The cruise has given my mom and I something positive to focus on. I’ve really been struggling with my stepdad’s cancer situation, which is why I’ve been away from my blog and social media for about three weeks. The cruise will be absolutely perfect. I’ve never been on a cruise and it’s been about 25 years since my mom has been on one! I’m incredibly grateful that I can treat my mom to a relaxing trip where she doesn’t have to worry about a thing!
This will be the longest time that I’ve ever been away from my animals but they will be in the best hands with Matt at home. I will miss them beyond belief, however the time with my mom and the memories we make will be worth it 🙂
Pam says
What a beautiful, grand gesture. Thank you for who you are!
Forest Poodles says
You are such a sweet daughter! I love your mom’s reaction! I hope you both have a great time and I hope things improve for your step dad too.