Missed the Boat

This morning I realized how much I missed not getting to go on the cruise. My sister phoned from Newport, Rhode Island. Their ship pulled in sometime this morning, and she and Pat were waiting for their number to be called to board the tender that will bring them ashore. Both Pat and Jan have been to Newport before - for Pat, it was many, many years ago. For Jan, she spent a week there with me while Hans and Rachel spent a week in Bermuda and we watched Josiah and Annika. During that week, we walked around Newport a lot - including the trek to Goat Island, which Jan said the ship sailed past this morning. Once on land, their first destination will be the Post Office where they will post some of their belongings to be sent home to allow more room in their luggage! They plan to walk the wonderful historic neighborhood where Hans and Rachel lived.

Jan and I talked about 20 minutes, and she related to me some of the sights they have seen and what life on the ship has been like. As she spoke, it confirmed the feelings I have had - I missed the boat, literally, and I missed out on a dream trip. I missed spending these 14 special days with my sister and cousin! Oh, I'll get to see their pictures and hear their stories, and hopefully that will help fill the gap. But I know it won't replace the fact that I didn't get to go. Here's where the old adage: "Don't cry over spilled milk" comes in. There is nothing I can do about this. It's done. Tomorrow their ship pulls into the New York harbor, and after disembarking, boarding a bus to visit the Statue of Liberty, the 32 folks who made up our Fall Leaves Tour, will travel to La Guardia and make their way back to Minnesota. They will have spent an amazing 17 days together.

One thing I am certain: I'm glad I insisted Jan and Pat continue on this trip. There will be more opportunities for us to do things and go places together.