April 19, 2025 – Thriller

I'm currently on a Holland America cruise, celebrating my mom’s 70th birthday! I’m so blessed to have her in my life. The ship has a calm, relaxed vibe—exactly what I needed. It’s also, let’s just say, rich in the wisdom of the elderly.

Now, some seniors are the sweet, doting grandparent type. Others? They're clearly on this cruise to escape children. So… cue my dramatic entrance:

Enter Sam, stage left, with two energetic, loud, very alive boys.

My sons (9 and 10) are kind and respectful, but boys will be boys.

My mom and I were talking about how much being around children helps older people. Kids require patience. They offer joy. Smiles are free. Germs? Well, they just help your immune system stay sharp. 😉

Speaking of joy—let me tell you about Alejandro. He was playing a dinosaur computer game like Zoo Tycoon. You raise dinos in different habitats and try to keep them happy. His twist? He decided to name each dinosaur after Michael Jackson songs.

First came Billie Jean, then Not My Lover. That one tragically met his end by a dino named Smooth Criminal. Alejandro couldn’t handle the injustice—Smooth Criminal was promptly deleted and replaced with The Kid is Not My Son.

Hours later, I hear him squeal with excitement:

“Mom! Billie Jean and The Kid is Not My Son had a baby!”

And what did he name it?

Thriller.

I lost it. 😂

So here’s my little reminder from today: keep kids close. Let them be your joy thermometer. If a child can’t get at least a chuckle out of you… maybe it’s not them. Maybe it’s time for you to lean into joy again. ❤️