Guest Post by Mom (Part 1)

The following is the story of my parent's vacation turned bad, written by my mom.  Even more important than the details of those days, are the lessons learned and the people who's everyday outlook on life will be slightly different forever.  

My Story

"Triumph"

Well, where do I start?  I guess the beginning would be best for you to see the whole picture.

Rod and I left Thursday around 4 pm from a port in Galveston, so excited about a four day cruise aboard the Triumph.  We were ready for some rest and relaxation.  We had three fun nights and days  just like every other cruise we've been on.

Sunday morning around 5:30 everything changed.

There was a fire in the engine room.  Fires are the most dangerous things to happen on a cruise ship.  We got up, got dressed, grabbed our life jackets and then all of the sudden all the lights went out and the doors began to close.  People then started to panic and run to the muster stations.  I felt strangely calm, not scared, more sad that this might be it.  I thought maybe I was headed home to meet my Heavenly Father, then immediately thought of my kids.  

Did I hug them enough??

Did I tell them I love them enough??

I would miss seeing my grandchildren grow up!

I had no fear, just sadness.

When we got to the muster station, there were so many scared faces around me.  I wanted to help them, but just couldn't seem to get any words out.  After a while the crew informed us that we didn't need to be in the muster station, so we went upstairs.  From this point on things become a bit hazy, but I will tell you what I remember. 

We found out that the fire was contained, but we still had no power.  The boat started leaning to one side, which once again scared people.  The crew on board assured us that it was OK.

Monday

People were still pretty calm, thinking everything would be fixed.  There was no running water for showers or toilets.  Eventually the water did return, but only for cold showers.  Still no working toilets.

During breakfast the first day you could tell already that people were worried about food.  The hoarding started.  I guess they thought we would run out of food or that this could be their last meal.  We saw people carrying 3 plates piled so high they had stuff falling off.  Some had 20 boxes of cereal and milk cartons and a plate piled high with fruit and ten slices of bread.  It made me sad to think that people didn't care if everyone on board had enough food, as long as they did.  

The toilet situation was horrible.  They asked us to pee in the showers.  For women that would require climbing in the tub, after your husband, and so I just couldn't do.  We found me a large plastic bucket, normally used for ice, and that became my potty. 

They made us go #2 in plastic bags and then put outside your door for the crew to pick up and dispose of.  How do I explain the smell of thousands of toilets not working?  I just can't.  On top of all that it was very hot and muggy.  There is just no way you can understand unless you were there.

This was the day we were able to hook up with another ships cellular and we reached Jenifer by phone.  I worried about my kids worrying about us.  Those phone calls were so emotional.  To hear her voice, I was so happy!!!

By the end of the day a cold shower was a blessing.  Some people complained, but I loved being able to wash my hair.

The first day, except for food hoarding, everyone was still in good spirits.

However, this was just the beginning...

Stay tuned for the rest of the story.