Happy Easter!

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, MaryMagdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,




but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.

His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.

The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

He asked her, "Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."

Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means "Teacher").

Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-9

He's Alive Coloring Book

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and Change

One of the most difficult things for someone with sensory issues is change.  The reason for that lies in the fact that familiarity is safe.  The goal of our neurological system is to keep our bodies in a place where we feel “just right”. Jean Ayres, an occupational therapist, first coins this phrase, claiming that the best therapy will be somewhere between too easy and too difficult.  At home, a "sensory diet" is prescribed, suggesting activities that will challenge without overwhelming.   

To accomplish this "just right", we (all of us) are constantly making adjustments to our environment.  We might avoid spicy foods or back away from a hot stove.  We might crave something salty or sweet or cover our ears when it is too noisy.  Shifting our weight to balance or holding our pencil a certain way all help us to maintain consistency in our body. 

When faced with an unknown, we have to process all kinds of new information.  For many people, this is relatively easy, but for others, the wealth of new input is overwhelming.  In familiar situations, a person with sensory processing disorder (and all of us on some level) has developed coping mechanisms over time.  They know where the quiet places are, what foods they will want to eat (or to eat ahead of time or bring a snack), what clothes are most comfortable, who will hug them or give them space, how long they are expected to sit in a chair and how much energy will be required to complete tasks.  They can plan and also relax as tasks become easier with practice.

Transitions mess all of that up.  For a person with sensory processing problems that has gotten to a comfortable, "just right" place, a change is like an alarm clock going off when you are fast asleep.  It is jarring, jolts you, and puts you into a panic.  That panicky feeling is your body's protection system, the very basis of your survival.  We know it as "fight or flight".  

Pretend that instead of a blaring alarm clock, you were given cues to tell your body to slowly wake up.  Maybe the curtains are slightly opened or soft music is playing.  Perhaps, someone is whispering your name and then speaking louder in regular intervals.  It would hopefully help to eliminate the shock of sleep suddenly interrupted.  Transitional cues and routines help those with SPD in the same way.  

If surviving in daily life is hard without routine, warnings, and predictability, imagine how difficult changes in that routine are.  School starts for the year while summer stops and vice versa.  Daylight Savings Time begins or ends.  It is a holiday or special event.  Favorite places are closed or menus change.  Eventually, all of these changes and transitions become the "new normal", but in the meantime, and to varying degrees those with sensory processing issues suffer.  They no longer feel "just right".

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) affects people with lots of different diagnoses, particularly those on the autism spectrum.  However, it can also occur all by itself.  It is almost harder that way.  It is invisible to others except for the resulting "behaviors" that they can see.  And that often results in judgments of "weird", "odd", "brat", "problem child/student", "distant", etc....Yes, the behaviors are difficult and probably need intervention, but they are not defiance.  Watch, observe, and see what you see.  You might find you are now looking with a different lens.

The Cycle of Feelings

My Dad told me once to never make decisions at night when I was tired.  Good advice.  I tried to nap and go to bed when I was feeling negative, but I still woke up just "done" today.  I haven't been sleeping really well.  Between waking up early, napping, and staying up late, I doubt that I'm truly getting the best rest.  It caught up with me today, I guess, because after lunch and a nap, I am feeling quite a bit better.  

I have to say, though, that after staying fairly positive despite continual change and uncertainty, I just didn't it in me this morning, and discouragement was really setting in.  I have to work pretty hard to stay on top of my mood.  Anxiety, depression, and a low sense of self-worth constantly try to creep in and take over.  One of the strategies I have learned to employ beside self-care is self-talk.  It is important for me to recognize that I hate transitions and change, but that I will feel much better as I become accustomed to the situation.  So, I realize that I AM adjusting to the barrage of cancellations and closings.  While my routine has been thrown into upheaval and unknowns still exist, I WILL adapt.  Meanwhile, I am uneasy and frustrated and being hungry or tired interrupts my ability to cope.  I am trying so hard to be strong, but I also need to give myself grace.  So, if you're feeling that way, too, you're not alone.  And it's going to be ok - eventually.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

We're Calling It #AlliesBigAdventure

3/17/2020

Stuck!  Why isn’t this ship docking?

My family has been receiving updates for the last two days from my sister who is stuck on the Celebrity Eclipse in the waters off San Antonio, Chile. This evening, the passengers were officially denied access, and the ship will now move on to refuel, restock, and sail to San Diego to fly home from there. As this was the end of a 2 week cruise, adding 2 days of negotiations and 10 days of additional sail time will turn this into a nearly month-long adventure. Guess she’s getting her money’s worth.

3/18/2020

Incoming

Allie is our littlest sister.  She's the one stuck on the cruise ship.  The rest of us are stuck at home.  Not sure who has it worse, lol.  

Apparently, after being denied access to Chile Monday evening, the ship headed  to Valparaiso about 4 hours away to refuel and get provisions.  This was expected to take about 24 hours.  

Yesterday, around noon, they were in Valparaiso, and we all joked that her overpacking had paid off.  She was in good spirits, working from the ship, despite a slow internet connection.  

Just before 7 pm EST (Tuesday evening), Allie reported that the supplies were back in San Antonio (the original port) clearing customs.  Good grief!  Another night anchored.

Then, this morning, Allie sent the above picture with the caption, "Incoming".  Since the Eclipse wasn't able to dock to get them, all of the supplies were being brought in one boatload at a time.  Anticipated departure is tomorrow morning.  Dad calls it #AlliesBigAdventure.

Stay tuned!

3/20/20

Finally On Their Way

Valparaiso

Allie’s been working a lot so her coworkers don’t get left with all her assignments.  She’d probably be working remotely anyway, so I guess she might as well enjoy the fresh air!

The general mood on the cruise is positive, and passengers report being treated very well by the ship’s crew.  Activities, entertainment, food, and drink are being provided, and even crew that were supposed to be ending a contract and returning home are working tirelessly to maintain a quality guest experience.  A few are keeping to their rooms, and of course, at least one or two are very frustrated with not being able to be home to run their business and take care of their responsibilities.  Captain Leo is especially well-liked and has been consistently communicating with guests and crew alike

The final items to the be loaded at Valparaiso were requested medications, such as insulin, to support the additional days at sea.  Even, contact lens solution has reportedly been restocked in the onboard shop.  After 5 long days of deliberations, refueling, and replenishing of supplies, the voyage to San Diego was underway late Thursday night.  Estimated arrival is March 30.

Captain Leo

Having Fun On Deck

3/21/2020
Recognition of Healthcare Workers

Allie's hasn't reported in yet today, but fellow passengers shared that the Eclipse saluted healthcare workers with one minute of applause this afternoon on deck.  Another photo shows the journey they are undertaking from Chile to San Diego, California.

3/23/2020

Still working, enjoying nature

Week 2 of working from the ship.  Food is still as good as ever, but Allie says she has been eating too much and is cutting back.  Apparently, there were pods of dolphins swimming alongside the Eclipse and the sunsets are gorgeous!

3/27/2020

Preparing for home

The Celebrity Eclipse is scheduled to dock in San Diego the morning of March 30th!  The staff and crew are still giving their passengers the royal treatment whether that be in the spa, dining room, or theater.  Also, they are busy arranging flights home for all passengers and will be transporting them directly to the airport in buses.  Passengers that do not have clearance to disembark in the United States will be taken to Puerto Vallarta afterwards.  Life onboard hasn’t been boring.  No one is sequestered although some, like Allie, are spending most of their time in their room.  Allie normally works 50+ hours a week, so she has been busy.  

3/31/2020

Home at Last

They finally made it! The ship docked early morning in San Diego, and passengers were allowed to disembark based on their flight time. Allie and all of her crew have arrived home safely, and are thrilled to be back, safe and sound.

Many thanks to Celebrity Cruises for taking a tough and unplanned situation and turning it into a positive journey. You did not stop advocating for your passengers and continued to provide top-notch service even when your crew was exhausted and your company was taking a major financial hit. Your communication and commitment have set a great example for others to follow.

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