I’m sitting in the Viking Crown Lounge onboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas with my 85-year-old dad, feeling good because I get a chance to experience quality time with the best man I know.

Alan Whitt

He told me when he turned 80 that the rest of life is gravy, and that’s how he lives his life to this day.

The live music is good – a young woman is paying tribute to Etta James by belting out “At Last” – while I sip white Zinfandel and my dad enjoys a martini.

These times will provide me memories that will sustain me long after he’s gone. And I get a chance to share this wonderful man with others who have joined us on this cruise experience.

It was my mom and dad who gave me the travel bug. As a youth they showed us America when African-Americans rarely traveled. That education is something I’ve passed on to my daughter and grandson.

And that is why I shake my head, thinking about a conversation I had earlier today with some of my cruise mates.

We wondered why some people take vacations … while others create experiences.

We wondered why some people play it safe, going to the same places, doing the same things year after year … while others are adventurous, taking a chance that new things will enrich their lives.

And we wondered why some people don’t understand that you get what you pay for … That cheap isn’t always your best option.

My parents had never been to Maine … Before they loaded us in the family car and made it happen.

They had never been to California, and it took more than 10 years to plan that cross-country trip, but again … they did it.

Now I get a chance to return the favor, taking my dad on a third cruise in four years.

My mom is in heaven … smiling.

Thanks, mom. Thanks, dad.