In 2008 my father, Claude Murray, went on a Viking River Cruise with my younger sister, Susie. It was the first time my father had been overseas since his navy days. It was the perfect trip for him: Dad get's frustrated easily. With a cruise you don't have to worry about anything. They pick you up at the airport. You don't change hotels. They feed you. They take you to all of your destinations. Perfect. Not long after their return, Dad asked if I wanted to join him on one of the cruises. I quickly agreed, since it would be a wonderful way to spend time with Dad. So, we decided on a cruise along the Rhine. As I sit in the Frankfurt Airport, I look forward to the trip with a fond rememberance of my birthday a few years ago. After plying the Little Spokane River in a canoe, Denece and I convinced Dad to go with us to Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane. He asked what we planned to do. We answered with honest ignorance. Whatever we did was fine with us. The result was one of my favorite birthdays. We played miniature golf, rode the Carousel, and Dad played Skee ball (rolling the balls up the ramp for points) for the first time since he was a kid! What a great day. What wonderous adventures await us along the river? We can't know, but, In any case, it will be time well spent. |