Timing is everything

(Delayed - 2 posts today)

I've been gathering this post in mental bits over a period of time. Literally over the past few weeks; figuratively, a lifetime. I like to think of myself as a writer.....though never this public, never this raw (that will make more sense in a few paragraphs). If I am a writer (you get to decide), my style is different than most writers I've heard describe their writing journey. Many writers set aside a recurring time to write; it's a vocation, there's a purpose, a process, a routine. That's not me. I gather tidbits of information throughout a day, week, month or even a year. I mentally file them away and as soon as I have enough bits to string a few together, I start organizing them into something that ranges from coherent to eloquent. Again, you get to decide where it lands.

Timing really is everything. Some people are blessed with good timing, some bad timing. We all know who they are. Only the timing gods know why. I was on the elliptical watching the news 3 days ago, which was 2 days after we left Hawaii, While we had exceptional weather on both islands, now there was flooding. Timing is everything. We're due in New Zealand in 9 days, now there is flooding. There's no telling how it will be when we get there. Timing is everything. We're due in Israel in about a month. Now there are heightened concerns due to the recent terrorist acts and responses. Ports of call can be cancelled for any/many reasons. Timing is everything.

When you take a world cruise like this, you accept that plans change as the world changes. Sometimes THE world changes, sometimes YOUR world changes. Two days ago, midday, there was a medical emergency on the ship. Announcements were made and halls were blocked, for both safety and confidentiality. With 2200 people at an avg age of 75, this could have been anticipated at some point during our cruise. At just 26 days in, it feels too soon. And if they got on in LA, then it's just 9 days in. The whole boat got somber as we imagined the horrific circumstances a couple was thrusted into beyond their control and certainly not in their plans. I could hear the silent prayers around the ship ... there but for the grace of G-d go I. At that point we were 1/2 way between Hawaii and Tahiti, a 2600 mile trek, the worst possible spot we'd later find out. That individual would need to be life flighted off the ship, but you have to be within about 350 miles of land due to the fuel capacity of the helicopter. Timing is everything.

The next day we were told that there would be a medical evacuation of the patient late afternoon. A helicopter would approach the ship, hover and drop a "basket" to bring the patient aboard the helicopter. Due to the high winds generated by the helicopter, we literally had to batten down the hatches. Decks were cleared of everything, balconies were restricted, passengers were corraled away. Our ship and crew did an amazing job of maintaining safety, security and confidentiality.

So many people were vieing for a spot to take pictures. I admit it is an extraordinary occurrence, but still, I knew someone was suffering and couldn't get it out of my mind. I just couldn't make it a spectacle. I decided to mmob (mind my own business) and go to the fitness center. It was empty of course. By the time I was done, it was done. The captain later said it was flawlessly executed and everyone collectively clapped. More invisible heros on our ship who don't get enough credit. It was an incredible relief to hear it went well. We are praying he/she receives the care they apparently desperately needed.

And just like that we all resumed our cruise. My wife and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary albeit belated. The cruiseline asked us what we'd be celebrating during the 111 days and so I offered our anniversary. They made over us in the main dining room with our favorite drinks awaiting us and an amazing dessert aftwards. We felt so special.

We attended the 7:30 show and then went back to the room early. It was an exhausting day, emotionally and physically. My apologies for not posting this blog on time. Now you know why.