Breaking Down a “Great Wall”
Naomi and her father running on the Promenade deck
October 23, 2012
by Naomi Cornelius
At almost 80 my dad lives, and thrives! He’s found the essence of life. And it happened in January aboard Coral Princess somewhere between Cartagena and Panama City. Both he and I, his daughter, have been irrevocably altered by this most magical and extremely spirited two weeks of time.
My father, and mother, were courageous souls endeavoring to rear a family in the heyday of the late ‘60s and ‘70s. Complicating matters, we’d lived abroad for most of our formative years. My dad, a member of the Canadian military, was stationed at numerous bases overseas and as such, we were repeatedly uprooted. We constantly crossed borders – France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and the list goes on.
Although my parents did attempt to keep a handle on us and provide their three kids with all of the necessities to succeed in life (like a decent education, regular dental appointments, and just generally avoiding the hippie influences of the day), a divide somehow developed. Tragically, one by one, we three little soldiers mutinied. I’d always feared, we’d disappointed them.
Decades went by with sporadic Christmas and birthday communication. By the time we’d reached our 40s, we’d each tried to build a bridge back to our parents. We increased our telephone call frequency, tried individual visits, even planned a get-together for their 50th anniversary — we’d not all been together since the 1970s. Seemed no matter what creative solution we employed, we were always met with an impenetrable wall.
Little did we realize, there really was a generation gap. We three products of the flower-children generation were given to enjoying life, exploring opportunities, and much, much travel. We tried regaling our parents with tales of our adventures. Alas, there was the wall.
Then, a couple of years ago, we got that call. My mother was ill. In fact, my mother had been ill for many years. We were not privy to the details. My parents, the stoic, intensely private and staid sorts that they were, had kept most everything to themselves. Now blatantly apparent that support would be needed, we tried desperately to help. Yet again, that dastardly wall.
My mother passed away last January, in the arms of my father. They’d grown up together in the ‘30s, dated in the ‘40s, married in the ‘50s and had never left each other’s side. They lived alone in the country, the way they wanted it. We three feared for our father, now lost and very isolated.
But something marvelous had taken hold. After a rocky six months, my dad suddenly announced he wanted to go on my next Princess cruise, with me. And he wanted to do this during the anniversary of my mother’s passing. And he wanted to go through the Panama Canal. And he wanted to pound the Promenade deck at dawn. And he wanted to eat escargot. And wash them down with a full-bodied red wine. And, he didn’t want to miss one port, venue, event or moment.
Over the last decade I’d enjoyed various Princess cruises and sent copies of my itineraries and pictures to my parents. Never heard much in return, save for the odd query for details regarding the ship’s preparation of a particular dish, whether I’d met the captain (always), what the sheets were like (felt like satin), and whether I’d slept (rarely). Somewhere along the way, these adventures had lodged in my father’s mind.
After much fretful planning (had to get my dad, who hadn’t travelled in decades, from Canada to meet him in Ft. Lauderdale), we set sail.
Those two profoundly moving weeks have altered the course of my life, and given life back to his.
We dined together; long sumptuous meals, each capped-off with a menagerie of divine chocolate desserts. We indulged in each and every show; from raucous musicals and transcendent concertos to comedies. Couldn’t quite believe that this was my dad; that guy next to me who was hooting and clapping, and first to stand for every ovation.
We danced – on a myriad of dance floors. Couldn’t have imagined that my dad would be the guy who finally teaches me how to complete a full waltz-twirl. We sashayed over outside decks, through the Piazza, the Princess Theater, whilst traipsing down the stateroom hallways and even did a little jig in the Horizon Court.
We ran on the Promenade deck together at dawn, met the captain together, stayed up most of the night together and cried together. I can still see that ring of chocolate sauce about his mouth after his third dessert.
We now talk most every day. Mostly cruise itineraries and stuff – we’re planning our next cruise to Europe for his 80th birthday so he can finally see Rome.
He’s more alive than I’ve ever seen him. He says he feels like he did in the ‘50s. Not his fifties … the 1950s.
And, the only wall in our future is the Great Wall of China, upon which he intends to walk. He’s announced he wants to go on whichever Princess cruise will take him there.
Clearly, it’s never too late to have a happy childhood.
Naomi lives in Dallas, Texas and has taken seven Princess cruises. Her father, Paul, lives in Blockhouse, Nova Scotia and is now planning his second Princess cruise.
Naomi,
How wonderful that you have this new connection with your father! We wish you many more adventures together. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you, Princess for the abject joy of reliving this metamorphic and moving odyssey!
Although we have just completed our ‘birthday cruise’ booking to Rome aboard the Ruby in April, we’ve already commenced that delightful to and fro tussle of where ‘to dance’ next. A year ago, would never have imagined my dad’s lifetime dream to walk upon The Wall might include me…
what a wonderful story, naomi! it brought tears to my eyes as i do recall the years when we lose touch with our parents. you are most lucky to reconnect with your father and to be a part of his life again. we sometimes don’t realize how precious our parents are until it is too late.
i wish you many more adventures with your father!
What a wonderful story. My parents have always loved cruising. When my Dad was dx’d with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Dz) we brought them on an Alaskan cruise (Princess of course). They had a wonderful time. He’s bed-bound now, in the final stages, but he still has such great memories of the trip.
My husband and I did many Princess cruises and even cruised to Alaska, Jamaica from East Coast and through Panama Canal to Mexican Riviera and home to SF on the West Coast. We even did a Tahiti trip and lost him to ALS in 2000. Those cruises and trips will always be the “good” memories instead of the sad times during his illness. Traveling is an excellent healer! I spent a month in Vietnam after his passing and used the time to heal my heart.
Really didn’t expect a Carnival story to move me to tears. Thank you for sharing.
carnival?
What a wonderful story…not all are so blessed to be able to tear down those walls and rebuild the loving, fun relationship you now have with your father. Hopefully you will be able to enjoy many more Princess Cruises together as you adventure to one wonderful country after another…I live on the island of Roatan which is another great place to visit if you like the tropics…May God continue to bless your father with good health and “A wonderful life”…what you are now sharing with him is priceless.
Rosemarie, priceless indeed! ‘Tis a wonderful life.
Thank you for this warm sentiment; that which hails from a most magnificent part of this world. Have visited Roatan (on a previous Princess cruise) – you’re in Eden.
Hello Naomi,
Your wonderful story touch my heart, and brought back fond memories of our cruise through the Panama Canal. Some years after my mother’s death from Alzheimer’s Disease, my father who had been blessed with great health mentioned that he would like to see the Panama Canal. My response was, “Well Dad, we don’t buy green bananas, so we better plan that trip since you will turn 92 next month!” I gathered 9 of our friends and family and convinced them we needed to celebrate Pop’s birthday on an 11 day cruise. Of course my dad dressed in his tuxedo and we danced and drank champagne, as the staff fussed over him, and fellow cruisers offered congratulations. He loved every minute of it!! What a splendid memory for us all. Dad passed away four years later. It has been 10 years since we shared that marvelous experience and the joyful memory will never fade. May you have many more cruises with your dad. Best wishes from Houston! Sara Shaw
Hi.
Reconnecting with a loved one is a true gift from above. Now all you are missing are your two siblings. May you enjoy your father for many more years to come.
Thank you for sharing.
María from SJU
Evidently you had a caring, charming, charismatic and most civilized Dad – your note registered with me and, I’ve no doubt, my Dad as well. He’s also a tux sort.
Thank you.
Hi, Naomi, my Husband Don and I just return from 23 days (Sept. 15) on the Diamond Princess which sailed from Vancouver, BC (our home port) all the way to Beijing, China. That is the trip you must take to walk on the Great Wall!!. The Diamond Princess is an amazing ship and we met so many wonderful people sharing our grand adventure. Also, the Diamond actually goes onto Bankok for a total of 39 day journey. The ship does this trip every April and Sept. To have you and your Dad climb!!! on the Great Wall would a memory to never forget.
Sherri
Noted! Thanks so much for the suggestion – will most definitely have a look at the Diamond itinerary. Further, always appreciate eye-witness testimony…
Tears of joy for both of you, Naomi! What a great inspiring story! You’re an awesome writer! May you and your father have many, many more years of wonderful cruises to celebrate!
Naomi,
What a wonderful story, it made me smile the entire time I was reading it…
Thanks for sharing
Beautiful just wish others had the chance to do this but pure magic.
Naomi Your story is inspiring! Hopefully you will inspire others to connect!! (actually I am sure you will!)
Thanks for the vote – Jennifer. A little tenacity; huge reward!
My mother also passed this year and my father and I have a 35 night cruise booked for September next year.
Kaye -
So sorry about your mother’s passing. The very prospect of a 35 night (wow) cruise with your father will certainly help to buoy your spirits!
Nomi: What a great story, although it is too bad you lost so many years it looks like a great new beginning.
..and a fabulous future. It’s a very good thing that my Dad is as robust as he is; I have difficulty keeping up with him at the best of times. He sets a very high bar…
Thanks!
Enjoyed story. Very heart-warming. Love the Princess. Looking forward to my next cruise in Nov. Can’t wait….celebrating husbands 65th birthday. Thanks again for reunion story.
And a very happy impending birthday! Would think the 65th an apropos milestone to perhaps adopt my Dad’s new found favourite mantra:
“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, totally worn out and screaming WOOO HOOOOO what a ride!”
Enjoy! And Cheers!
I love that!!! Our last Princess cruise was not the cruise of our dreams because my husbands’ health was not good. After a near death experience he has found his joy in life again. So now we are planning our next (and much better) Princess cruise
Yeeehaawww! You too have been charmed by that serendipitous ‘second chance’. It can be pretty intoxicating stuff.
Enjoy!
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story of new life. Cruising is always a good experience but this sounds like a GREAT experience. I am so happy that you have found each other again. This just proves it’s never to late to start again. I wish you many more happy cruising adventures. Blessings to you and your special daddy!
You have touched my heart!. And, dare I say, hearts. Thank you for your kind sentiment. I suspect your words might even soften (just a tad) my mighty Dad…
You not only inspired many with sharing your story, what you shared with your dad after all those years apart, thats memories you will cherish for a life time. I almost felt I was with you and your dad on your journey as you captured it all so fully. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks for your kind and thoughtful feedback, Barbara!
For me, the tale is very much a story of love, on two counts: that between my mother and father, and their inextricable life-long link; coupled with the fulfillment of a kid’s life-long dream to share a camaraderie with her dad, punctuated with palm trees.. Not to mention, a heady cruise and a huge smattering of joie de vivre to wash it down!
Thank you for sharing your story. I am sure it will inspire others who have been separated by time and distance to attempt once again to reconnect with loved ones. And hopefully it will inspire those who keep insisting they will do it tomorrow to do it today!
Here, here!
Perhaps the very notion that one absolutely can ‘go home again’, counter to that classic axiom, will incite the odd soul to pick up the phone. Even better, kiss a loved-one on the forehead..
Thank you Naomi: You will enjoy China and the Great Walll Challenge. LOL I loved it.
My travelling companion and I met at a retreat for widows and widowers. We have so many things in common, we had both lost our husbands and a child to cancer and have experienced many of the same joys and sadness..We have cruised together many times and bus tours also. and have bocome good friends.
We are sailing on the Emerald Princess next August 30th. to Sept.26 th. 2013. Check out the itinerary. You both would love it. Copenhagan to New York City. (Denmark,Norway, Sweden, Berlin, St. Petersburg Russia, Ireland, Scotland, Greenland, Iceland, Nova Scotia and on to New York. Your dad could probably get off in Nova Scotia if he wanted to instead of going on to New York. I think you would enjoy this cruise. I am looking forward to Belfast Ireland where mom was born and to Glasgow Scotland where dad came from. It docks in Halifax September 23, 2013 for the day. It would be nice to meet you if you sailed on the same cruise.
My friend looks after dogs for people on vacation and also is busy visiting her 3 daughters and granddaughter so I am lucky to have her for a cabin mate for this cruise.
I am not alowed to have a pet in my condo so it is fun visiting her when she has a dog there.
Have a Wonderful cruise and enjoy China. and a Happy Healthy New Year.
I hope we meet up on a cruise some time. I live in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
Lori, you and your mate are an inspiration! Collectively you’ve overcome much – and clearly have found the fortitude to go blithely on…
Happy trails!
wow, what an experience. i wish you many more like it and envy you the chance you had to bridge the gap before it was too late.
As a father (step father) to two wonderful children, there also exists a gap! I even took my two step children on a wonderful 12 day cruise on the Grand Princess in August of 1999!
But the gap (mostly political) still exists! I am certainly happy that one man has made it in a manner that benefits his relationship with his daughter!
Regards to all,
Ronald L. Hughes
Naomi,
This is a beautifull story, I love your selflessness and your willingness to honor and bring joy to your Dad. I missed that with my parents but I have been able to share a similar experience with my sister. She and I have had well not a very close relationship ok but not close. The last two years I have been blessed to be able to take her on the Inland Passage in 2011 and the Land Sea Cruise starting in Fairbanks celebrating her 70th Birthday on the cruisein 2012. The cruises have brought us so close that we now talk about every other day and are trying to figure out where the next cruise will be
Blessings
Doug
Very happy for you both, Doug!
And, isn’t it marvelous what joy can be eeked out of a simple ‘where do we cruise next’ conversation. The discourse goes on, and on….
Regarding that positively palpable gap. Wouldn’t a primer or guide-book be an asset for the navigation of said ‘gap’. We could probably all use a road map.
Altho Ronald, perhaps the first step, is simply acknowledging its existence. Thank you!
We are not alone. Of this fact now, today, I am abundantly sure – and overwhelmed.
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story… I can barely type through my tear filled eyes.
Naomi,
Thank you so much for sharing. I have never expected to read these stories (in my mind, it’s just commercial!). How wrong I was! I could not stop reading your story, and when I finished, I had tears in my eyes. You have given me a different perspective of life. I now understand sharing is truly a precious gift. Thank you and God bless you.
Eva, this was a first for me.
That ol’ chin up, grin and bear it, never let ‘em see you cry stuff undoubtedly does help propel you forward – but the grin and ‘bare’ it sure seems to open the soul to a profoundly nurturing universe.. .
Still reeling from this experience.
Give it a go!
Your story is written so beutifully, I was very moved. Best to you and your father.
Lori
I’m so proud of both of you! It took strength to give it a try — and obviously the result was many times over worth the effort!
I sincerely hope this continuous for you through the years. My husband and I have taken 21 Princess cruises for now I think that is over with. He is almost 88 years old and even though his general health is good, mentally he is not. I would dearly love to go on another cruise with him but each time I plan one, I just do not think he could make it. I would have the full responsibility of taking care of him and that is just too much for me. Take advantage of this time while you still can.
Bernice, yours is a story of unwavering love, and devotion – peppered with a multitude of Princess cruises, oh my. The fabric of your life is rich indeed.
Thank you. Strongly suspect you’ve got a story or two in you ripe for the telling…
Wow, this story left me wanting more!!!. My parents were never “travellers” – I moved from Newfoundland to USA in my early twenties. Once I got the bug to travel – my stories were aways welcomed by my parents, but so far out of their reach “financially” – and I remember the first time we invited them to travel with us. They didn’t care where we were going, they wanted to enjoy each and every moment. What a thrill that we had 3 cruises that we shared, always with their greatgrandchildren and our grandchildren – I treasure each and every moment, large and small, especially getting to dance with my dad, see my mom and dad walking hand in hand on deck – enjoying the sound of the water and the moonlight. Memories I will always treasure!!!They are both gone now, but how grateful I am for the pleasure and pliviledge to have given them and me those beautiful memories!!!
You brought tears to my eyes. Pleasure and privilege indeed; and perhaps the perfect panacea for time and distance. Can’t fathom just how magical it must have been for your parents, escaping ‘the rock’ for those treasured times with you and yours.
Thank you.
Naomi, what a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing! My Dad, who I’ve also not seen much over the years just turned 80. I begged him to go on a cruise with me and I dreamed of the same kind of “moments” and bonding that you describe,. He however would not go. He was in the military and said he has already spent enough time on a ship to last him a lifetime. I really wish I was instead telling a story such as yours. God bless you both and many happy future times together!
Dad had pretty much circumnavigated the globe a couple of times aboard a naval vessel; he was very adamant that cruising is quite a juxtaposition – maybe even helps to re-frame those early military memories.
There must be something aboard a cruise ship to entice your Dad – they lack very few creature comforts!
Thanks for sharing such a heartwarming event, Naomi–I hope you and your Dad can enjoy more times (and cruises) together. My Dad died at age 85 a year ago. The times that we shared playing golf have become treasured memories.
What a great story/family moment. You’ve redefined what family means. Your dad is a lucky fellow, indeed.
Have a great time on the next and following cruises with your dad. Good times and wishes for you both.
Your story really touched me. We have been cruising with my mom and dad for many years now, and we all look forward to that time together. My family is close and we spend a lot of time together, but these vacations have been invaluable to me because I get to enjoy the company of my parents as friends and companions as well as mom and dad. Next year we will include my sister and brother-in-law for their third cruise with us. I only hope that we have many more times like this together.
Linda, the notion of having fun with moms and dads evidently is not new to us; tragically tho, the concept appears to have eluded many. Reading between these lines, I detect such a heavy note of wistfulness.
Thanks for weighing in – another voice for the chorus!
This is such a beautiful story. What a gift you have been blessed with to enjoy your relationship with your dad at this time in both of your lives.
How touching!You are a great writer and super daughter. Forget the gaps and focus on the unity!
My daughyter and I were on the Coral Princess October 2011 going to the Panama Canal. I was 93 yeaars old and she was seventy. We had a wonderful time.
Kudos to you two! Am betting you had quite an impact on a number of fellow passengers, as well as crew.
Beautiful story from a gorgeous lady! I am so sorry about your Mom’s passing. It is great to hear how well your Dad is doing-he looks amazing for 80. My husband and I love Princess, and it would be great to “bump” into you and Dad on a future cruise!
Thanks Cheri! Now that the die is cast – we’ll be out there, somewhere, ad infinitem…
What a beautiful and moving article
It’s been 11 years since we lost my dad. Mom and I leave this Sunday, on dad’s birthday, for Rome and a Mediterranian cruise. Our first vacation together in many years. Your story is an inspiration!
In July of 2010 Our Dearest Friend of 50 years and the GodFather to our 2 grown (one deseased) Sons, was diagnosed with Cancer. We had taken many Cruises and he came to us wanting to Travel with us and his wife.
So by Sept. 2010 we all traveled to Europe and spent 6 weeks. During that time we took 2 Princess Cruises. Covering the West and then the East of the Mediterranean Sea.
Home for a few months and we were planning another 6 weeks. This time he wanted to see Alaska. So we planned a Land-sea Cruise of 16 days and added on another week at the Princess Lodge on the Kenai Penn., and back to Vancouver and Brittish Columbia..We saw it ALL..Had Beautiful Weather & saw every Animal Alaska offers.
Returning home late Oct.2011.
Our Friend passed away in March 2012…leaving us with Wonderful Memories of a Long Friendship…
What kind and giving friends you are! Little vignettes such as yours are so restorative. Thank you for the infusion…
MY WIFE AND I CAN’T WAIT TO CRUISE. IT’S COMING UP NOV.25TH,ON THE RUBY,BEAUTIFUL SHIP. IT’LL BE GOOD TO SEETHESEA ONCE AGAIN.
What a wonderful story! Sadly, I will never be able to share cruising with my dad as Alzheimer’s has made that impossible. As I write, his life is literally ebbing away and I expect a phone call at any time to let me know that his struggle is over. I know this is supposed to be about Princess Cruises (I’ve enjoyed Rome to Venice with my husband), but I did want to say that my most memorable trip was in 1999 when my parents joined my husband and I for 4 weeks in Europe (both sets of relatives live in Germany). I will never forget the enjoyable experiences! How awesome for you, Naomi, that you’ve been able to reconnect with your dad
Very sorry to hear about your Dad, Lorie. And the very long, heart breaking good-bye. My thoughts go to you and you family.
Perhaps, in due course, a cathartic celebration of his life is in the cards for you. And perhaps aboard a cruise ship. Oddly, the closest connection I felt I had with my Mom after she’d passed away was at daybreak on the Promenade deck in the middle of the Pacific..
This story reminds me of when my 92 year old mother asked me to take her on a cruise for her 90th birthday. She had been hearing my husband and I and friends talk about our princess cruises and she wanted to try it. I was at first hesitant if she would enjoy it. I researched a caribbean cruise and with my mother ,husband, sister, cousin, aunt and my best friend and her husband we planned our cruise. We cruised in December for her 90th birthday and she loved it. She is now 92 yrs. old and will be 93 yrs. old in December and she is asking to go on another cruise. I am reluctant to say yes as she is not in as good health as 3 years ago. Only time will tell what happens with this!
On my first cruise, during lunch, I overhead a conversation at the next table. There were five or six ladies, all who appeared to be in their ‘dessert’ years, happily chattering away. One voice suddenly rose above the others in proclamation, “When I am to go, why not upon a cruise ship? They’ve got everything I or they could possibly need right here. And I’d go happy.”
It later dawned on me that she’d also have lived her life fully..
wonderful story….wonderful daughter….I am glad that you found out that people of our age can have a lot of fun with their kids……
and vice versa! Thank you.
What a wonderful story. It so nice of you to share it with everyone. I lost my husband on 10/29/11 and always happy we took as many cruises as we did. The last was inAug. 2011 on the Crown Princess around the British Isles.
Very sorry for your recent loss – you do, however, sound quite buoyed by your cruise memories.
There’s something heady and rich about the time spent aboard. Don’t know if it’s the isolation from your day to day reality, or the sheer magnitude of time spent truly together, or the common bond of shared exhilarating experiences. Whatever it is, it’s palpable and perpetual….
You are so lucky to have a Father who is able to travel and keep up with you. Our 15th and best Princess cruise was with our daughter and granddaughters several years when they were recovering from the abandonment of a husband and Father. My husband was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, but the daughter and granddaughters made that cruise so memorable in their love and care of him on that last trip. It was a healing process for them. He is in an Alzheimer’s facility now and has no memories of any kind other than knowing us, but we will always remember that last family time. Make the most of your time with your Dad.
Thank you Janet. For your generous and touching words. Clearly you have an extraordinarily giving, and profoundly connected, caring family. It all emanates from somewhere – this is a lovely testament to you!.
I have read a lot of the stories in this forum but yours brought tears to my eyes. How lucky you are to have had the experiences of getting to know your dad again and also enjoying Princess cruises. I have only been on two one with a friend and one with my grand daughter and the one with my grand daughter was exquisite to see her (8) experiencing fine eating, dancing, childrens activities and making friends from all over australia was perfect. Am planning another cruise to NZ 2014 and if I can get a more adventureous friend who will travel further a field I am off to wherever the ship will take me.
Thanks again for your wonderful story
Have you considered the notion that your ‘more adventurous friend’ may already be on board? On every cruise, have a met a multitude of folks who hail from hither and yon; moreover, are open to new friendships!
Cherish the times with your Dad.as you know,life changes in a heartbeat.how lucky you are to have a healthy Parent to share your time with.Please write about your next adventure? I’d give anything to just be able to see my parents one last time..
Julia says what a lovely story and adventure you had with your father. Mine has been gone now for 24 years and oh wouldnt it be lovely just to spend 1 minute with him. I am sorry if I sound like most other replies. What precious moments you will always cherish. I went on the Ruby Princess a couple of years ago and it was fabulous and recommend cruising to anyone.
Cherish every minute of every day with dad. You must be a very loving daughter.
Thank you Naomi, what a wonderful result for you and your dad. My mother passed away several years ago and my dad now 88 (fit as a fiddle) would like to cruise with us next year, you have inspired me to go ahead and organise it. Hope my experience is half as good as yours sounds.
Sandy, when you commence the planning, keep your Dad abreast of the details. His anticipation and excitement will only compound yours, put a lift in his step and keep a ‘cheshire cat’ grin on his face.
That’s the gift of cruising. The preamble is just as intoxicating as the voyage – and the afterglow lives on, indefinitely,
lOVE FROM AUSTRALIA TO YOU AND YOUR DAD——A HAPPY WONDERFUL STORY —GRACE XX
Thank you Naomi, my husband and I met eight years ago on a ship that used to belong to Princess. We are still cruising, our next will be a southern Caribbean at Christmas. Your story is an inspiration!! Sue
What wonderful story. Thank you for sharing your personal life Naomi. My mother always wanted to go on a cruise but my father was one of those people that got seasick. So, she never got to go,until I took her on an Alaska cruise after dad passed away. She danced all night and had the time of her life. Mom has Alzheimer’s so she never remembered that wonderful 7 days at sea. I will remember for her.
Folks, do not put off time with your parents. Parents, do not put off precious moments with your children. Love each other as if it was your last day together.
I love you Naomi
Hey Naomi,
My wife and I have been on many cruises but never a group cruise. Would you consider doing a Princess group cruise so all of us folks that are touched by your wonderful story can meet you and your dad? I picture a large group of us all wearing matching blue tee shirts like the one your dad is wearing in the picture!!!!
Hope we are not getting ahead of ourselves but it is not often in this life that we get to meet
awesome folks like you and you dad.
Love always,
Joe and Denise Reinojobereino
Thank you Denise and Joe. Altho your idea to band is very much a compliment, at this juncture somehow couldn’t quite fathom my Dad reigned in by such finicky things as dates and details….he’s running with the wind. And, I’m barely holding on.
The universe has a funny way tho of bringing like-minded people together. See you out there…
Your story really touched my heart Naomi. I can see your dad standing laughing and clapping and enjoying himself. My dad is now 88 but I do remember when he and I took a bus trip to Reno and how much fun we had. You have some special memories that will last a lifetime. I was on the Ruby Princess on a Med cruise this past June and it was the best holiday I have ever taken and the staff could not be more attentive but of course, its Princess!
Enjoy whatever moments you get with your father and never mind that you are living your childhood while as an adult. I miss my father, rest his soul, every day and can only imagine in my heart what it would be like to travel with him.
Naomi, what a wonderful story. Do glad that your dad finally was able to enjoy the cruise with you and that he was able to discover this wonderful person, his daughter. It took my dad’s death for my mom to finally mellow a little and enjoy life – she’s never really known how to laugh and not take everything so seriously, and we have taken her on trips that she loved (I always thought she was afraid to fly and afraid of the water). Congratulations to you and your dad.
Princess Cruises may believe this to be a wonderful story. I find it very sad that the children and parents in this family let 40 years slip by – wasted years that cannot be regained by a two week cruise, some music and escargot.
Yes it is good that this woman reconnected with her Father – but please stop trying to make this look like a wonderful story … it is essentially very sad and the good ending does not make up for the life-long loss that these people let happen. It is remarkable that so many people find this to be a heart-warming loving story ….. it is a story of irrevocable loss and years of mean spirited cold and broken relationships.
Remarkable story, and beautifully written
This is a wonderful story. My wife,Jeanne, and I have been on a couple Princes cruises and each time we have had the opportunity to enhance our already good relationship
My husband of 37 years passed away six years ago suddenly, I have several friends who are also single but none of them want to cruise. I have always dreamed of cruising and seeing Alaska so for my 70th Birthday I have booked a cruise to Alaska in May of 2013. I am excited but yet nervous to go by myself, has anyone else had a experience of cruising by themselves, if so were you able to fit in, seems everyone has a partner to go with. I sure could use some hints.
Dear sweet Karin, I am so sorry for your loss but I’m happy you are going on a cruise! I have never gone alone, I am afraid I will be lonely. Make sure to ask to sit at a large table in the dining room for meals. I meet many friends that way, and we end up dining together through the week, and meeting for other events. Also get on the cruise critic board where you can talk to others who will be on the same cruise. (it’s not very user friendly but see if you can do it).They usually plan a meeting for the first day. Do you have any kids or nieces or nephews who might join you? I went with my mother several times and she was a fine travel companion. I’m sure you will be too! Let me know if you have any other questions, I love to talk cruises! So does everyone else on cruise critic, you will find.
Lenore
email: verruka@aol.com
A beautifully articulate sharing of a happy-ending story! Isn’t it just too sad that there are folks like John who will never experience the thrill and beauty of a glass half full. Naomi, you just keep up the outlook you have…and it wouldn’t be a bad thing if you kept up the writing as well!
Thank you, Ruth. Very much. I’ll take your direction under advisement.
My husband and I also enjoy cruising with Princess and, since my Dads passing in 2005, my Mum, now 94, and my mother-in-law, now 90, have lived with us and travelled all over the World with us and Princess.One of my Mum’s favourites was the Far East cruise on the Diamond Princess in the Spring of 2010 and she was SO thrilled to be on the Great Wall of China – definitely one of the highlights of her life, but also, on the same cruise, she was enchanted with the people of Thailand who are amongst the most friendly courteous people we have ever had the pleasure to meet. Unfortunately, our Caribbean cruise this Christmas will be the last long haul that our mothers have with us because the flights – and long waits at the airports – are too much for them now, but we hope to have many more cruises with them out of Southampton.
I hope you enjoy cruising the World with your Dad as much as we do with our Mums!! God bless you both.xx
That is just so beautiful…..I have tears in my eyes sitting here at my desk. Wonderful story and I believe every word….good for both of you!
Ellen
Naomi thank you for a beautiful story of memories and your daddy! My daddy passed away in 1993 and I do wish that we had had that special bond that you two shared on the ship. We were close but I could never sit down and have a nice down to earth talk with him. I loved him dearly he was a very affectionate man, with lots of love to give. His life was cut too short by cancer. I still have my mother and I somehow wish that I could take her on a cruise, but she is very frail and don’t know if she can travel. But I do thank you for the beautiful shared memories of you and your dad, it brought many tears to me. God Bless you.
I haven’t seen or talked to my two daughters for 10 years now. Too busy, but not far away. I am surely inspired by your story and hope to follow your footsteps
After 10 years, imagine your girls will be quite surprised, a little amazed and overjoyed to hear from you. But mostly, and very much, overjoyed.
The very prospect has tugged on my heartstring.
Being a Mother of 3 grown marrried children, I feel sad that YOUR Mother did not share your lively personality and fun. I hope this story is a lesson to my children and everyone elses.
Such a COOL story…it’s never too late…so sad that your Mom wasn’t around to share this as well, but I know she was in your Father’s heart throughout the whole trip…many more adventures to you both!
Good for you!!! Thanks for sharing your story…you have obviously touched many hearts by sharing! We are taking my mother-in-law to the Panama Canal for her 85th birthday! I can only hope we will share some memorable experiences as well. All the best to you and your Father!
What a brilliant story, so pleased you and your dad got back together. Families are sometimes their own worst enimies but it came good for you two. Well done! My wife and I plus two good friends did the Panama Canal 2 years ago and we had a great time as well. Best wishes to you and your dad.
T.hat is a beautiful story, those are the memories you will treasure forever and only you will know as your siblings have missed out on this, all the better for you.
I did the Panama trip 2011 April and loved it on the Island Princess
A beautiful and touching story! Hope you enjoy many more cruises with your father!!!:))
I took my three adult daughters on a cruise on the Princess Grand and we had a fabulous time! So much laughter, time together, and bonding again. It was worth 10 times what I spent. I highly recommend that any parent with adult children should do this. To help them with money when they need it is one thing, but to give of your time is something you and they will always remember. We plan to do it again as soon as possible. Hope to see you there!.
What a gift you’ve given to your daughters. And one that keeps on giving. Three very lucky ladies. Am sensing you’ve always been a doting Dad, but will most definitely second your assertion…..cruising with your girls, priceless!.
I took my three adult daughters on a cruise on the Princess Grand and we had a fabulous time! So much laughter, time together, and bonding again. It was worth 10 times what I spent. I highly recommend that any parent with adult children should do this. To help them with money when they need it is one thing, but to give of your time is something you and they will always remember. We plan to do it again as soon as possible. Hope to see you there!.
Naomi, you and your Dad, are inspirational. A beautiful story beautifully told. I’ve heard of and participated in shipboard romances but your story is one of True Love.
Thank you for writing it. May you have many more cruises with Princess.
Totally crying; what a beautiful story. My father and I have no dastardly wall, he is one of my favorites to hang out with, but he won’t travel far. I pray we have an adventure like this soon too! God bless you both, Naomi and Pops!
That’s one of the best I’ve read on this site. So pleased for you and your wonderful Dad.
what a lovely story, I bet naomi your father has the cruising bug now! i hope you share many more cruises and fun times together!
What a lovely man, what a lovely daughter, what a lovely story. Thank you for sharing it with all of us who live in the world of Princess cruisers.
I can’t believe the list of responders, how wonderful. I did my best to read them all, but failed. I started mourning for my mother, it’s been almost 4 years. My father wanted to go on 1 more cruise to Alaska, he’s 86, & we went this last August for 10 days…the Sea Princess. It will probably be his last, but the memories will last us a lifetime. I’m sorry for your loss, happy for your reconnection with your father, & wish you many more happy sailings ahead with your father.
Thanks to each and every one for all of the support and well wishes. Your kind words will not soon be forgotten.
Naomi, and her Dad
What a wonderful and uplifting story! It made my day.
Nice story Naomi, well done. Keep cruising it will keep your father young.
I just went with my son, celebrating his 50th birthday, from San Francisco via Panama canal and Cartagena to Fort Lauderdale. Since my wife passed away I have taken all of my children. one at a time, on some exciting cruises. Now working through my grand children. The twelfth cruise, next April, from Sydney to Vancouver will get me back to Sydney in time to celebrate my 87th birthday. It is never too late to connect and reconnect.
PS Don’t delay the Great China Wall for too long. It is quite steep in places.
Clearly John, by example, you’re way ahead of us. And have set the tone for your now gallivanting little dynasty. Thanks you for your insights; and do have a roaring good 87th!
A great story!!! As a fellow Nova Scotian and former military wife I can understand your family divide. I know it has happened to many. I think it is wonderful that you and your Dad are cruising together. Wish you were on the Emerald in January so I could meet you both. Happy travels.
Naomi your story is magnifica. It serves as a monumento to all who choose to live their lives well. Salute! I wish I had the good pleasure to know you and your father. May we meet someday. Tutte le strade portano a Roma. Ciao bella.
Bartolo, we thank you! Will be in your beautiful city in May – not soon enough! My Dad is in search of the region where they grow the Sophia Lorens….
Ciao.
Beautiful. Rock on Pop!
Naomi,
What a story and life experiance indeed. Funny how my life is a straight line as yours. My wife passed 3 months ago, and during our 37 years of marriage, we too were estranged with our children for various reasons. I have reconnected with my daughter and had asked her to take a cruise with me, as my wife and I did often (29 cruises). I have offered to take her to wherever she wants and am awaiting to hear where we are going. I have shared your story with her and she wrote me telling me that the reconnection is all she ever wanted in life, and your story brought her to tears. Thank you.
Thank you, both!
Jerry, I marvel at your candor; and, have been swept-up with your quite deliberate and successful endeavor to reconnect with your daughter. Indeed, what a forthright and caring daughter you have. Bon voyage!
I purchased a Princess Cruise for a 2013 sailing. I used my AMEX card to pay for the cruise. Now my phone rings off of the hook with travel solicitations.
Did Princess share my information with a third party?