Let Me Take You On a Sea Cruise

Cruisin’? I never thought that I would ever go on a sea cruise. 

“Why?” you ask. 

Number one: I'm scared to death of the water.  

Number two: I'm scared to death of the water. 

Number three: Well, you get the picture. 

David and I had talked about going on a cruise for years, but because of our crazy schedules, I thought that would never happen. Too many conflicts - work schedules, school schedules, and performance schedules - all excuses right. 

Fast forward, ladies and gentlemen! We have gone on five cruises since then. And, I must say, I love to cruise. 

Was I still uncomfortable as I stood on deck and looked out over the dark waters of the ocean and thought about how deep that water was? You betcha! That's why I tried not to do that. 

I tried to think of positive things; like dining in the opulent dining rooms, shopping in all the upscale gift shops, going to wine tastings, attending art exhibits, etc., etc. In other words, I wouldn't stand on the bow of the ship and think about the Titanic. 

My favorite cruises have been the ones that have included my two sons. It was still difficult to arrange all the schedules, but like we've always heard—where there's a will there's a way. So, with some planning, we actually scheduled a cruise for all four of us. 

For those of you who know our son, Brandon, you know he can't sit or stand still. It was no different on the cruise. If there was an opportunity for him to participate in or attend something, he was going to do it.  

He would read the ship schedule then let us know what the plans were for the day. 

One night, Brandon said to me, “Mom, I have an idea for the four of us to have a fun evening and I know you'll love it. It's called ‘Quest.’” 

“I have no idea what that is, Brandon,” I replied. 

“Mom, just say yes. You'll love it,” he said. 

So, evening came and we headed into an area of the ship that resembled a men’s club—swanky furniture and dark wood décor. We took a table about halfway back from the stage area. 

The emcee came out to the stage and explained to everyone that we were to be divided up into teams of 8 members each. We found two other couples who agreed to join our team. 

BINGO! 

The host then explained that he had a list of items that he would read from. We would then gather those items (if we had them) and one of the team members would rush up to the front. The first one to reach him with the item would get the most points. That was all well and good as long as he asked for a watch, a sock, a hat; but then he asked for a bra! 

“Great!” I thought to myself. 

I could feel my face turn red. 

“Ain't no way I'm gonna do that,” I thought to myself. 

At that point, I felt like all eyes were on me! I don't even think the other two girls were wearing bras. 

David looked at me and said, “Well so much for that one. We've just lost.” 

He knew how shy I was and that no way in heck would I take off my bra—in this club—at this table—in front of all these people. 

Then, I thought... “I have to take one for the team.” 

So, without giving it another thought, I pulled my arms in through my blouse sleeves, slipped my bra straps down my arms, unhooked my bra, popped it out under the hem of my blouse, and—waiving it like a white flag—yelled, “Here it is!!!” 

And, off we went, running up to the emcee to collect our points. 

Once back at the table, David said, “I can't believe you did that! I can't believe you did that! And, in front of your son. I can't believe you did that!” 

And, even after all that, we did not win. 

But who cares? 

It was so much fun I would do it all over again! 

I told my family as we were leaving that evening (with my bra on) that I couldn't remember laughing so much in a long time. 

Ooey, ooey baby, 

Ooey, ooey baby, 

Ooey, ooey baby... 

I'm so glad we all went on a sea cruise! 

~ Jeannie Joyner