Conflicted over our good fortune

[Goofy Girl]

I was so excited when Cheryl from DCL called on Monday and told me that we have been upgraded from a cat9 to a cat 6 - we have a veranda! We have never received an upgrade before - whoohoooo!
Then the news on Tuesday - New Orleans filling with water, the devastation, and the gas shortage! I felt guilty and selfish, all at one time! I want to go to Disney on the 16th, and my upgraded cruise on the 24th... but am I wasting too much gas (in order to take Mom - we are driving from NH)..
I hope it is short term, and that gas is readily available down the eastern seacoast by then.. the price wouldn't stop me.

Anyone else conflicted about their good fortune?

 

[Kim&Chris]

I think about this alot. I feel sort of guilty and helpless at the same time.

 

[mommasita]

Yes, I do think many of us are battling this to a point...For me, it is that I wish I could do more...I did go to the website/via CNN where you can offer up shelter..ALthough I do think we are too far, and in Canada..IT would warm my heard to be able to do this...I have also donated what I can afford to...

I would go on my cruise if I were you, and pray for the victims of this, and pray that these people get the help they need FAST!!!

 

[ericamanda01]

I feel guilty as well. I am planning surprizes for DH for our WDW and cruise vacation next year, but all I can think about is all those with nothing. So I am going to donate as much as I can, money, clothes, and time, But I have to remember that life goes on. And my guilt won't help anyone.

 

[deeron51]

Hi Goofy Gal,

I just wanted to take a quick moment to write back to you. We just got off of the Wonder yesterday from our 8/28 4-night cruise - so I can certainly tell you that I know how you feel! We were on the ship and watching the live footage on CNN - talk about feeling guilty. Plus, my sister lives in Louisiana and works in Mississippi - so there was quite a bit of worrying too. I knew in my heart that she was okay - thankfully she is a 4-hour drive from New Orleans, but I knew they would have some of the storm plus also know folks that were directly affected.

It did help us that Kare, the cruise director, announced that the Disney company had pledged a $2 million donation to the refief efforts.

What we can all do is help out any way we can. Make a monetary donation to the American Red Cross - what you can personally afford. Pray for these people! Encourage the companies that we work for to make corporate donations.

Wishing you a safe journey and calm seas! Please have a magical and wonderful trip!

 

[TheWog]

Enjoy your trip. I am sure you need a relief from the everyday in your life. Say a prayer for those affected by the storm and have a safe drive down and hope for good memories.

 

[inkkognito]

I look at it this way; feeling guilty does nothing to help those in need, so don't feel bad about your good fortune. Instead, channel those feelings into a positive action, like making a donation (even small amounts help). We are sailing on Sept. 8, and although I feel terrible every time I see the television footage, I know that feeling bad about having a good life is not going to help anybody. Instead, I help out with the relief efforts. I figure I can forego a spa treatment or two and give that to the Salvation Army instead.
Barb

 

[jgalecpa]

Don't forget:

Their are over one thousand staff members that depend on the tips we give them to feed their families all over the world.

Money circulating through the economy is a significant way we can all help everyone all over the world.

Don't let's hurt one group because another is suffering.

Help both: Go on your cruise AND make a donation.

Jim

 

[Goofy Girl]

Thank you all for your thoughts on this! I do feel a little better - I guess you are right - no amount of guilt is going to help anyone! And there are a lot of people dependent on the money we bring to the cruise (I definitely drop my share! )

I have booked fewer spa treatments this cruise, and I have earned quite a Disney Rewards balance, so I can do more for the relief effort, too!

Thanks again! We have been so looking forward to this cruise for over a year now!

 

[grammynelliebelle]

I also have been feeling very conflicted over our plans. Aside from making a donation and continuing to do so for the long hall, I was feeling very frustrated as to what I could do up here in NJ. Especially when you see the pictures of the kids and moms. Tonight while waiting in line to do a store return it dawned on me that although I cannot do a direct kindness to the victims I can do a direct kindness to those I am rubbing elbows with right here. Eg. told the lady behind me to go ahead as my return would likely take a little longer than her purchase or making sure the shopping cart was put back carefully not to damage someones car. Things that we usually do but can get careless about. It helped me to think of it that way.

 

[Cindi0511]

Don't forget:

Their are over one thousand staff members that depend on the tips we give them to feed their families all over the world.

Money circulating through the economy is a significant way we can all help everyone all over the world.

Don't let's hurt one group because another is suffering.

Help both: Go on your cruise AND make a donation.

Jim

Couldn't have said it better, Jim. Have a great time, Goofy Girl! You have a great heart.