When the Allegro Royal Hideaway all inclusive 5 star resort opened in '99, my wife found a $34 per night pp deal. She called and asked for the maximum time we could spend there on this deal. They told her it was unlimited. I told her to ask for 40 years! Well, they weren't quite ready for that! But we had a nice time in Playa del Carman anyway. And I'd like to spend my final years on Radisson, as well!

But we did have to put my mother in a nursing home this week, and she is in no condition to go on Radisson or to the Royal Hideaway. She has dementia, cannot follow instructions, and is constantly injuring herself in minor ways. People like her are the real reason nursing homes exist. Those like me who don't want to cook, wash clothes, or clean might really be better off in a resort or ship.

Several years ago, when my mother's health was better, I asked her and Dad to go on a cruise with us on Radisson. I got the usual excuses. "We don't have the money." (They are millionaires.) "It would be boring." (What?!!) "There are things to see in the US" (They did not see them.) Now, for her, she never will.

We are booked on the VTC 4/13/04 and thought of canceling due to her condition. All medical people said "don't." So, barring something further, we won't. What could I do here for a mother who does not know me half the time?

Despite my sadness, there is a lesson to be learned here. That cruise you put off till next year? You might not have a "next year." That car you've always wanted and say "maybe in five years." You may not have that long to still drive it. Heck, nobody's guaranteed me I'll be here to go on the VTC in 12 days.

I don't advocate that anybody go into debt to go on a cruise, or even to buy that special car. But if you have it ----- DO IT, and now, because this has taught me that now is all we really have

Thanks,
Richard