Sinking ships, holiday cheer, and common birthdays.

My grandfather invited all of us to a Christmas party at the NC Museum of Natural Science. It just so happens that the Titanic exhibit was on display. Holiday cheer has a funny way of presenting itself.

I have not blogged in a while. Largely because I’ve fallen deeply in love. The kind of love that distracts you from opening your laptop. Yep, friends, I’ve fallen hard. (Disregard previous post about online dating. Turns out love finds its way to you online through other means.)

When attending the Titanic exhibit we all received “Boarding Passes.” It was a boarding pass for someone who had been on the Titanic. The nature of the exhibit was that you walk through as your said passenger with the curiosity if your person had survived or not. You can imagine the magnitude of receiving the following passenger,

Mrs. Dickenson H. Bishop, (Helen Walton)

1st Class passenger

Married in Nov 1911, Helen and her husband were returning from their honeymoon through Egypt, Italy, Spain, and France. Helen boarded Titanic with over $10,0000 in jewelry. She also brought a small dog, named Freu Freu, which she had acquired during her travels. She was also pregnant.

I have not blogged since I wrote about going in Match.com. But, without explanation, you can imagine the irony I felt in receiving a passenger that had a small dog, a new husband and a baby on the way.

I gave up on Match for a variety of reasons. Namely because I was tired. Tired of  looking. But,  mostly, tired of hoping. Hoping that a partner was out there for me. So, I recalibrated what I wanted. And landed on love. Enter Benny.

Benny has caused my heart to swell. Swell to a level that now I really get why women are wired for kids. He’s a little bit of a nightmare a good bit of the time but we find room for it. And lots of kisses that make-up.

I went through the Titanic exhibit. I was curious about Helen. And Freu Freu. And her new husband.

Turns out they survived.

Benny and me are making our way through the holidays.

I came home from the Titanic exhibit. I couldn’t shake Helen. I googled her. You can learn a lot about the Titanic survivors online. Helen included.

On December 8th, 1912, Helen gave birth to a baby boy, Randall Walton Bishop, but the infant died two days later.

I turn 35 on Dec. 8th.

Helen’s story post Titanic is tragic.  Read about her here.

I’m not sure what to make of it all. This past year of dating. A new love in a canine. A renewed sense in understanding motherhood. And learning about a woman on the Titanic whose child was born on my birthday. I’m left with questions and wonder. And a ton of desire to love more.

In other news Benny is trying out for manger scenes and honoring Freu Freu all the while. Keep him in mind for future casting.

With yours in holiday cheer and ships that stay afloat,

Somer