Our oldest son Kevin has been very involved in Special Olympics since he was in 6th grade. Now 28 year old it was an honor for him to be chosen to be the CT Golf Coach for Special Olympics 2018. He will coach a group of athletes and partners and participate in the USA games in Seattle Washington July 1-6, 2018.

I was so excited for him and wanted to be able to see him enjoy this honor. Only problem I am deathly afraid of flying and Seattle is just to far to drive for just a few days. My mind started to wonder one day at work. Could I get on the plane and go, maybe take a pill or have a few martinis. I kept thinking about getting older and missing out on opportunities due to my fears.

The past 2 years had been difficult. I had not been feeling very well and was trying to care for my mother who's dementia was getting worse and was in and out of the hospital with other medical issues. The stress of all of it was starting to take a toll on me.

I had to put my mother in a nursing home which I thought was going to be just horrible. Come to find out it was a blessing. She is happy there now (took a few months) and is being taken care of very well. I no longer have the stress of caring for her on an hourly basis. I now can go visit with her and enjoy the time with her. The stress level has gone from 10 to zero! I kept saying it is now time for Chris and I.

I can do this. I can do this. I can do this is all that kept going through my head. I went home and told Chris we were going to Seattle!

Two days later I got another crazy idea in my head. Alaska is not far from Seattle. Alaska has been on Chris' bucket list for many years. Should we go on a cruise from Seattle to Alaska since we are so close?
One problem. Boats/Cruises are just as much a fear to me as flying.

Hell if I am going to fly I might as well go all out and take the cruise.

I realized how expensive the Seattle trip and the cruise were going to be. We have never spent that kind of money on such luxury before. It is way to much to spend....I waited for Chris to get home that night and told him of my crazy plan...he said....Lets go for it!

So the planning began!!