*%$#@($ the budget - an update

[Ember]

For all the wonderful and supportive posters who offered reassurance when I needed it most; that some situations call for throwing the budget right out the window - such as a diagnosis of terminal cancer.

The initial plan was to go to Disney World. We were planning and talking about it, I was bringing home travel brochures for mum to look at to help keep her spirits up and get her excited. Then one day she shyly brought up the idea of going somewhere else. I told her I would take her anywhere she wanted to go. She told me she had never seen Disneyland, her parents couldn't afford to take the family, and has always wanted to see Hollywood, ever since she was little. So that was that. I brought home new brochures and she seems so excited.

Today we took her passport application in (her's was expired) and it will be ready on July 31st. We'll be spending 5 nights at Disneyland, 2 nights right on Rodeo Drive at the Beverly Hills Wilshire , and then 4 or 5 nights at a beautiful hotel on the beach.

We are going to have an amazing vacation that I can't afford at all money-wise, but that I also can't afford to miss. For the first time in my life, I don't give a hoot about the money.

Thank you again to all the people who had kind words when I really needed them. I hope you know they were appreciated.

 

[bumbershoot]

If you haven't been to the forum yet, go to the DLR forum here, OK? Lots of good ideas there.

 

[connie1042]

Have a great time. Money isn't everything. Memories will last forever!

 

[stitchlovestink]

So very sorry to hear of the diagnosis.
I'm glad that you are not worrying about the budget and doing what your heart tells you and creating wonderful memories that will stay with you forever and helping your Mom to fulfill one of her last 'wishes'.
I hope you have the best trip ever!

 

[BuzzPrincessMom]

What a wonderful gift you are giving her. You will have a wonderful time.

 

[Disfan891]

The precious memories that you and your family will make on this vacation.....there's no amount of money to replace it. Money is only money. Family memories, fun, love, happiness....that's what's important. Hope you have the best vacation ever!

 

[pilesoflaundry]

Have a wonderful trip. *hug*

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I'm so sorry about the diagnosis. Enjoy every moment of your vacation together.

 

[CC12005]

Thanks for the update. We are praying for your mother. You have a wonderful trip planned. I live 20 mins. from Disneyland and we just got back from Orlando this week & trust me, you made a great choice weatherwise. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[NYCDiane]

So sorry to hear of your mother's diagnosis.

You're right.... screw the budget! In a time like this, making your mom happy and taking her on a dream trip of a lifetime is so much more important. I hope you'll take lots and pictures and videos and make a wonderful scrapbook for your family to share all the memories.

Here's hoping your Mom and family have a wonderful, safe, enjoyable trip!

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

Talk about having your priorities in order! You couldn't have made a better decision.


You will never ever ever say, "I wish I'd saved the money instead of making those memories".

Have a beautiful trip!!!

 

[PinkRhombus]

I lost my mother almost 9 years ago and I really would have loved the opportunity to do something special with her...but it all came on too fast this time around.

Enjoy it to the fullest extent.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

You will never regret this. My mom and I were booked for a girls weekend at WDW last August when she collapsed and passed away 4 days before. But, I was lucky enough to have spent several trips there with her because it brought her such joy.

We never know what tomorrow is going to bring, so sometimes we have to throw caution to the wind and live a little.

Have a great time with her and treasure every minute of it.

Suzanne

 

[kinntj]

Like Suze Orman says, "people first".

You will have an amazing time on that trip. The memories will be priceless.

 

[momtosam]

That is an amazing itinerary. Best wishes for a wonderful trip!

 

[pixiewings71]

Like Molly said, come see us in the DL section, we'd love to help you plan your vacation or give hints if we can. Enjoy your time with your Mom, it's very precious! (((HUGS)))

 

[Disneylush]

I read your post and it so close to home. I am taking care of my grandma 24/7 as she is in the last month of her life. today I wrote her Eulogy off of something she told me this weekend ...stop buying stuff and start making memories.

These are words to really live by... and you are living by them.

 

[angeleigh]

For all the wonderful and supportive posters who offered reassurance when I needed it most; that some situations call for throwing the budget right out the window - such as a diagnosis of terminal cancer.

The initial plan was to go to Disney World. We were planning and talking about it, I was bringing home travel brochures for mum to look at to help keep her spirits up and get her excited. Then one day she shyly brought up the idea of going somewhere else. I told her I would take her anywhere she wanted to go. She told me she had never seen Disneyland, her parents couldn't afford to take the family, and has always wanted to see Hollywood, ever since she was little. So that was that. I brought home new brochures and she seems so excited.

Today we took her passport application in (her's was expired) and it will be ready on July 31st. We'll be spending 5 nights at Disneyland, 2 nights right on Rodeo Drive at the Beverly Hills Wilshire , and then 4 or 5 nights at a beautiful hotel on the beach.

We are going to have an amazing vacation that I can't afford at all money-wise, but that I also can't afford to miss. For the first time in my life, I don't give a hoot about the money.

Thank you again to all the people who had kind words when I really needed them. I hope you know they were appreciated.

Have a great trip. I wish I would have done something like that for my mom before she passed. I hope you and your mom have a great time.

 

[Poohbug]

Sounds like a wonderful trip.

Have a great time and don't give the money a second thought.

 

[Lucky4me]

Oh, do I understand how you're feeling!
My dh was diagnosed a year ago with brain cancer. I had to cancel a Disney trip last October because his treatment was 350 miles away and financial concerns. Since we've been home, we've been to Arizona, have done several weekend trips, are going to Maine next month, Disney in October, a Carribean cruise in February. He's in remission, but it's a cancer known for recurring.
Our 35 year old house is seriously starting to fall apart, but I feel right now, the money will be better spent going to all the places he's dreamed of going since he was a kid. The time we've spent together this year has been so precious. Watching the joy on his face as he hiked down and back up the Grand Canyon is something I'll remember forever. I am so thankful.
I don't think you'll ever regret this trip, I hope you have a wonderful time!