
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Signing Off Work</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">At 6:00 pm on 9/1, I set the out of office and shutdown my work laptop. I stored it away in my secretary desk to be retrieved two weeks late. I muted my work apps in my cell phone and said goodbye to work and shifted my mind to vacation. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My last vacation was four years ago. Two years before the pandemic. I went on my first cruise to the Caribbean on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line with a few friends a few years ago. I had a positive experience. It was a week-long cruise. I had appreciated the convenience of everything being in the same place (i.e., entertainment, food, health facility, etc.). I had been planning a cruise vacation for me and my mother. I could not wait to begin my trip. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Well-Deserved Time Off</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Last week, I boarded another cruise ship for an 8-night trip. I was excited and relieved for the break. I had been working so hard lately and have started feeling burned out and needed a break to recharge and reflect. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I am thankful for the opportunity to have shared this experience with my mom. God was gracious enough to provide the means. This was her first vacation, at least from what I can recalled. In the past, she would fly to her homeland to visit family members as her vacation. Her excitement and joy during the travel was priceless.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This was a well-deserved vacation for her. The past couple of years, my mom has experienced many struggles. Three years ago, she fell down a flight of stairs and fractured her neck. That&#8217;s a different story, which I am still processing. Her road to recovery is ongoing. Because she got sick, she had to medically resign and retired. With COVID and managing her ongoing ailment traveling has not been part of plan. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I felt fortunate to have had the chance to gift this vacation to her. Paying the cost of the trip for two people was a bit out of my budget. I had to save up for five months for the $2000 trip (cruise and flight). It was well worth it. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In my next post, I will share what it was like to travel with an elderly, sick parent. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"> </p>
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I can’t wait for part 2!
….
I am so happy for the both of you. Waiting for part 2.