ADVERTISEMENT
Sandra and her husband had been married for over a decade. Through all the years together, vacations were little more than a fantasy. Like so many couples in midlife, their energy went toward raising children, paying bills, and surviving the daily grind.
But three years ago, Sandra decided that she and her husband deserved more. They began saving every dollar they could for something that felt nearly impossible: a cruise vacation. Not just any trip, but the kind of cruise that promised unforgettable memories, warm ocean air, and long, luxurious days away from responsibility.
For Sandra, the cruise represented more than just travel. It was freedom. It was the reward after years of sacrifice. It was her long-denied chance to live for herself.
By the time the departure date drew near, she had already imagined every detail — the ocean views, the quiet moments with her husband, the laughter, the chance to finally exhale. Everything felt perfect.
Tragedy Before Departure
Then, only four days before their ship was set to sail, tragedy struck.
Sandra’s 15-year-old stepson her husband’s only child — was suddenly taken in a terrible car accident. One moment, the family was preparing for a vacation. The next, they were staring into the abyss of grief.
Sandra described the heartbreak as unbearable. Her husband was crushed beyond words. Family and friends expected them to cancel the cruise, to remain home in mourning, to gather around each other in shared sorrow.
But inside Sandra, a very different voice was speaking.
The Conflict Between Duty and Desire
Continue reading…
ADVERTISEMENT
