By the end of the cruise, I had a bittersweet sense of accomplishment. I had achieved a personal dream, yes—but at the cost of family connections that could never be fully regained. It taught me an important lesson: dreams are important, but relationships require presence, time, and care.
Now, I plan more thoughtfully. I no longer see life as a series of trade-offs between personal desires and family obligations. Instead, I aim to find balance—sometimes chasing dreams, sometimes showing up for loved ones, and sometimes finding ways to do both. That cruise remains a highlight of my life, but it also serves as a reminder that every choice has its price.
