The Love Boat Sails Again

NKOTB Cruise 2022

When we got off the boat 4 yrs ago, none of us had any idea what was around the corner. We didn’t know that we would be separated by so much time and space. When the cruise was cancelled in 2020, it made my heart ache. I had to hold onto hope that it would happen again when it was safe. 

Now that we’re all back home with PCD kicking in, I’ve been reflecting on the magical long weekend we had. Getting to see friends that are more like family after what feels like forever is the best! Selfies galore, huge bear hugs, and smiles that create eye crinkles! Our favorite five guys bringing us together for amazing memories yet again.  

Mom Life

I’m a mom of three daughters, two of which are disabled, in wheelchairs, and have various special needs. My days most definitely revolve around them, their needs, and their care. I wouldn’t have it any other way. My kids are the lights of my life. However this mom life of mine can get very isolating and it’s very easy to not take care of myself or my mental health. I don’t do a lot throughout the year to treat myself. My precious friends know this, so this last NKOTB tour they made sure I had a front row seat with a meet & greet. It was an absolute blast!! Much needed girl trip. After that the countdown to the cruise was on! My amazing husband very graciously takes off work to care for our daughters solo so that I can get a mom break, to just be Michelle, and return with a full cup. 

Cruise Prep

So. Many. Amazon. Orders. Haha Aside from that though, there was getting my hair done, a mani/pedi, new clothes etc. (Jason pointed out that I deserve to do all of those things for myself all of the time, not just in the weeks before a trip.) Another part of my cruise prep was me getting used to wearing sleeveless shirts. I have a hangup about the size of my arms, but one of our theme night costumes -Donnie from 1991 MTV Rock & Jock- had a sleeveless jersey. To get more comfortable I wore a ton of tank tops all summer. Very unlike me. But I did it! 

Game Show

The game show is always a great time. We never know what game is going to be played. They’re always chaotic goofballs in the best way. If you don’t leave with a huge smile and sore stomach muscles from laughing, you weren’t paying attention. As a bonus this year I got to see my once very shy friend conqueror her fears and crush it on stage!!! I’m so proud! 

Concert 

I just love the cruise theater concert. It makes me so freaking happy! It feels more intimate because it’s smaller with less people. I also loved that we got stories connected to the songs which makes it that much sweeter! 

Beach Day

I haven’t worn a bathing suit in a long time. I was determined that I would wear one for at least one of our beach days. Although it was more of a swim dress & capris I was still proud of myself. I even got a selfie with my favorite NK while wearing it!! However there is no below the chest photographic evidence of said swim suit. The Beach Olympics, as I’m sure you can imagine, were so fun to watch & the NKs were just hilarious. Although I’m still unsure who actually won or what the rules were… 

Theme Nights

This year for some reason I didn’t take a ton of pictures or videos. I just really wanted to be in the moment. But as soon as I got home I wished I had. Thank goodness for IG & YouTube! I love rewatching all of their shenanigans. It truly never gets old. We never stood in the same place twice on the “lie-do” so I saw the stage from all angles. The cool thing is though, that no matter where you are, you’re part of the party. 

Scary Night

Halloween Harbor theme night was scary for me for a whole different reason. I had not been properly hydrating (I have an electrolyte imbalance) and it was very humid, in very close quarters while waiting for the deck party to start. My bestie Jenni kept asking if I was ok and if I needed to step out. I thought I was fine so I stubbornly said nope, I’m good. Then about 20 mins after the NKs came out I suddenly was not ok and she knew it. She pulled me inside and sat me down. Other sweet friends joined in to help cool me down and keep me calm. A few kind nurses and other medical professionals (fans) came to help as well. There was also a Dr (a fan) that rushed in to offer her assistance but I have absolutely no idea who she is. Everyone stayed by my side until the medics came. Then they came to the cabin until I fell asleep. After a night of rest and rehydrating I was ready for picture day and GPS. 

Thank you to my roomie and precious friend Nikki for staying with me to make sure I was alright as I rested. 

GPS Night

GPS is always bittersweet. It’s the longest night because we dance and sing until we simply can’t anymore. It’s the best because some of the most touching and uplifting words you’ll ever hear pour straight from Donnie Wahlberg’s heart. It’s the saddest because we know when it ends that it’s time to say goodbye to all of the pieces of your heart you don’t get to see every day. It’s time for all of us to step off the love boat to return to reality and life’s responsibilities. Thankfully, I have faith that our floating family reunion will set sail again. Until then my heart is filled with gratitude and love and my spirit has been renewed. While we wait for the next adventure, remember how strong and resilient you are, and to let the Titanium in you shine bright.