Last week, my wife and I took a trip down the west coast of Florida from, Tampa to Key West and back. We were on a small cruise ship that housed about 100 passengers.

My wife and I are in our early 70’s. The average age of the passengers on the ship was probably somewhere in the 80’s. We felt young in the company of so many good people.

The food on board was delicious, and the views from the ship were beautiful. We saw dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and manta rays.

If you were to ask me what I treasured most in this time away, I would say that it was having this special time with my wife.

I would also add that I treasured being with so many kind seniors. Among the passengers were those with significant mobilization issues, and one woman who suffered from what appeared to be a Tourette’s syndrome (often making uncontrolled vocalizations even though very capable of speaking well and holding interesting conversations).

Everyone on the ship embraced those with medical challenges and were so very kind to each other.

I found myself thinking that is what God calls us to do… to love our neighbors as ourselves. May we each be like those wonderful people.

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek