What Would You Do?

December 15, 2015 No Comments

It’s true – Where you are, there you shall be!

All the good, bad or indifference you have shows up – full on. I am reminded daily that you can’t write the book Frock Off: Living Undisguised and the second Freedom Edition and be frocked up. No can do.

During our recent vacation, aka writing retreat, Michael and I decided to take a cruise.

Cruising is unlike any other type of vacation. This is my third cruise, and for the most part I think all cruise lines operate pretty much the same. Each offers a wide selection of accommodations at sea. There are on-ship activities, pre-vetted off shore excursions, delicious and varied choices of dining with more food then even imaginable, oh and lots of entertainment. Almost all included in the fare. You can also enjoy 24-hour room service or refresh service. It truly is the lap of luxury. You are transported from your day to day activities – work, chores, cooking, and errands – to being served, waited on, or both day and night. How wonderful to be cared for and treated well!

On this last one we had a different experience. Upon boarding I was told a story that was circulating throughout the ship about the recent return from a Mediterranean cruise to the USA. According to the reports, while sailing back to the US, the ship had come across another ship in distress. 150 people were rescued and brought aboard. Maritime Law is very clear: if another ship is in distress, it is illegal to not assist. That said, I think it would be inhumane and an atrocity not to help those in need on a sinking ship regardless of law.

The 150 people rescued were transported to Greece. When I asked various crew members about this they neither expanded, nor disclaimed the story. They told us this was our time to relax and enjoy. I was touched by this story, so I kept asking. Likely I was a pain in the keister, but to me this was an example of the best of humanity. I love those kinds of stories!

What I learned was that the boat that was sinking was filled with Syrian Refuges headed to Turkey. They were in significant distress because with no land in sight they had little chance of survival. All had fled their country with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Families – women, children, seniors all looking for refuge. They knew the risks, but the cost of remaining where they were was far higher.

All were brought aboard and cared for. They were given shelter, food, and toiletries. The ship was able to bring them to Greece and continue on.

What a contrast! One moment their ship is sinking and they know they may pay the ultimate price for their decision to flee, and then the next they are on a luxury cruise ship. The imagery, the cultural differences, the language difference and the simple act of humanity.

This quickly became a dinner conversation with our tablemates each night. I was curious about what others thought. Ninety percent were moved, and shared their own views on all the terror in the world. Ten percent felt it would have been best to leave them with the life boats. Their concern was that by rescuing and bring them on board, other passengers would be at risk.

Although I understood the fear they were expressing, my heart ached. We have no way of knowing who, or if someone will be radicalized, but we have complete control over how we live our lives and what humanity we show others.

Interestingly, and sadly, the San Bernardino tragedies happened and were being reported on the ship. This added a new dimension to the discussion. He was home grown, and she was not.

This incident, along with the past terror incidents that have taken place, prompted me to write this newsletter.

I will never live in fear again! I spent far too many years fearing for my life and those I love. Nowadays I will do all that is necessary to be the change. I think this quote really tells it all.