All Aboard Documentary Tonight on HBO

[KelliODonnell]

Dont forget to watch tonight at 8pm EST on HBO!! Please post your thoughts and opinions here. I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Kelli

[Larry]

Hi Kelli

I have now seen the documentary 4 times. Twice on the ship, (actually 3 times if you count the screening two weeks ago on the Norwegian Dawn) and tonight on HBO. The film is moving. I had the pleasure of meeting many of the people who were profiled last summer and the film captured them perfectly. The film really portrayed the whole spirit of the cruise perfectly. I went alone last year, paying for my own cabin. But I left with a lot of friends, people letting me eat with them so I wouldn't have to eat alone. I will be on the Alaska cruise of course with some friends and my mother and I will be on the carribean cruise next feb to celebrate her 80th birthday. (A week of so early) She is really looking forward to it, totally comfortable going and that is the best thing of all.:)

[missy46360]

Hello all....I have just finished watching the documentary and I must say that I'm very, very moved. I cried through most of it. I could "feel" the love and warmth. My son, partner and I are avid cruisers are would have loved to be on that particular cruise. We always enjoy our cruises but I would love to feel free. Great job!! Hopefully, we'll be meeting some of you on a future cruise.

Sincerely,

Missy

[Picfan]

I wish I could think of something better than what an awesome movie, but I don't think words can ever express the true emotions one felt not only being on the cruise but also seeing the HBO documentary. It was nothing short of wonderful. I loved the end with Blake singing the song. It really was so sad for it to come to an end but it gives us nothing but good thoughts about what the next year will bring when once again we can return to our new extended family.

[cornfedfamily]

jess and i have seen the documentary twice now...once in chicago and once on hbo..we loved it both times, however what made it special tonight was our 12 yr old got to see it....he is now officially looking forward to the cruise...your vision is a reality and we thank you for making it possible....

[zozomama]

My family (2 daughters and my wife -yup, married here in MA) just finished watching the documentary. Both my wife and I cried, we were so touched by the love and sense of peace conveyed (except in Bahamas). I loved the teenagers' stories - amazing confidence in ones so young. We thought showing the documentary at so-called christian gatherings could change some minds by seeing the love portrayed in the families. My 9-year old (who loved the cruise we went on in Feb) said the R Family cruise actually looked much better because it was all families with 2 moms or 2 dads. This is from a child who is typically embarrassed about having 2 moms. I got right on this website to check out prices for the Feb 2007 cruise. I want to be part of the feeling on that boat.

BTW- will this be sold on DVD? My two girls can't wait to watch the show again.

Jennifer

[David & Doug]

My partner Doug and I saw the documentary in Dallas a few weeks ago. We cried, laughed and had many emotions about the love, inclusiveness and sense of 'family' onboard. I have never been on a cruise and we were considering a regular cruise, but I just couldn't connect with what I saw in the brochures. We are planning our first cruise together to r family at the Carribean in February 2997. Hope to meet some of you there!

[Larry]

. We are planning our first cruise together to r family at the Carribean in February 2997. Hope to meet some of you there![/QUOTE]

Won't you be a little old by then? I truly hope we meet there!!!'

Larry

(yeah, I know it was a typo. I couldn't resist);)

[WadyPhoto]

I miss everyone!!!!!!
I think we are all "boat sick".

[avibear]

Loving it all over again! I think the best part was as the film started and the music for "We Are Family" our 2-1/2 yearo old son, Shai, dancing around the living room, clapping his hands, and singing along. We can't wait to do it for real on the ship this summer!:p

[dylanmcd]

I am straight. I am an atheist. I just watched this documentary on HBO. I was blown away. I now "almost" believe in a higher being. You and Ro are here on the planet for a big reason. This movie made me think about think about what it would be like for a person who doesn't feel freedom to be free. You provided that opportunity. And not just for a shining moment - but hopefully for a lifetime to those who believe in equality for all. Standing ovation. Take time and smell the roses "gardener" - you have managed to start to fill the planet with fields of gold.

[spitfire]

Dear Kelli, Rosie and your entire team,
I just finished watching your documentary and I just wanted to salute you all on a amazing special. I am not gay or a lesbian, but I didn't in any way feel like I couldn't relate to this documentary. I was so moved by these families and their devotion and love for one another, and I am so disgusted by the all the people and all the goverment officials who can't see and understanding that we are all human beings who love and have emotions...who are flesh and blood no matter who we love and why. This special really moved me and I just want to applaude you for your devotion, dedication and bravery to stand up for your beliefs and what should be rightfully yours: freedom to marry who you want and adopt. Good luck and stay strong!

[terese]

A happy family is but an earlier heaven. --Bowring

thank you!

[JennyGirl]

All of the comments are so positive. I can't wait to see the movie. I wish I could have last night and totally forgot to set my TiVo. I will for sure look for future screenings so I can experience what everyone who has seen it is. It has seemed to have touched many heart.

Way to go Kelli and Gregg for starting such a positive event for the gay community. You are ROCK!!

Love and Peace!

J

[fallingdwnstairs]

Words can't describe what it was like to be on that ship with all the great people, Alaska will be our 3rd time cruising with Rfamily and it won't be our last. Thank you for helping my daughter feel like she isn't the only one. Thank you for showing the world that families come in all shapes and sizes.

[cornfedfamily]

is there going to be a soundtrack available to purchase?

[AMattiucci]

My partner and our 2 teenagers where a part of the 1st cruise, last years and can't wait for Alaska! When we first saw it last year on the cruise, the emotion was so raw. No gay event will ever make you feel this way. We lived history, we may not have been in the film, but we lived it. I've told so many people about the cruises, I get so emotional, run of of words..can't express enough what its like.

We watched it last night with our two friends (moms) who have 2 kids (3 and 6)...they were moved and motivated to get on board!

Once again, a million times, thank you, thank you, thank you for make 1 week a year a place where we feel loved, wanted, free and safe.

[wigglewomyn]

My partner and I watched the movie last night not just because we are going to Alaska this summer (we can't WAIT, less than 3 months now) but because so many people had said how moving and loving it was.

We absolutely loved it. Yes, it was moving, it was loving and the best part was that WE could feel it. Both of us had tears in our eyes more than once while watching it. I was amazed at the dads with kids featured in it, how loving they were, the good care that they gave their kids, the way they listened and interacted with their children, how much emotionally their children are receiving from them. Being married twice (in my other life) and having children by both marriages, none of my children come close to having a father like any of the men in the movie. How I wish they did!

Part of the reason we chose to go on the cruise (besides it being our 5th anniversary celebration, and to Alaska) is because we can bring our 13-year-old son. Even though he never says anything to us and he denies if he is asked, I don't think he is really comfortable with having 2 moms. I want him to see how these kids feel about it, for him to hear it from other teens, for him to know that it is not just okay, but that it is great that he has 2 moms that love him very much.

Thank you so very much to just not only Rosie, Kelli & Gregg for the movie but also all the people who shared their stories in the movie. We loved it and cannot wait to be surround by and part of that loving and feeling atmosphere!

[Patti in Scottsdale]

Hi All,
Straight gal here, moved to tears by the awesome show last night! My "extended" family includes lots of gay boys I am proud to call my friends. We just may have to join you all next summer! I'm also a reservationist for Norwegian Cruise Line (home-based in AZ, how cool is that?) and am so happy to work for a company that treated you all so well!

Going on the DAWN myself w/my sister and niece in June--the ship looked fabulous--we can't wait! My 24-yr old niece watched the late feed of the show on my recommendation, and she, too, sobbed!

Luckily I TIVO'd the show so EVERYONE I know can see it!

Good job, all! (I THOUGHT I recognized Gregg from the Gay Weddings show!)

Patti in Scottsdale

[janine@morison.org]

..........

[JaneMarie]

I too was amazed by the film. Kudos to Sharri Cookson for directing such a great documentary. How did people get to see it last week on the Dawn in NYC?

[Jeanette]

Sorry I didn't see this thread here! I posted my view about the documentary here: http://www.rfamilyforums.com/showthread.php?t=285

Great job, Kellie and Gregg!

[miche]

We are currently out of town and made elaborate plans to record All Aboard. We set up our TiVo in advance and we asked a friend to tape it live as a back up. She was unable to get the program to record. Verey disappointing! We were wondering if there is some kind of copyright on it.

[tyjae]

Where to begin? We just signed up for a month of HBO to see your film- and wow! I am so grateful to you for beginning this venture. My wife and I ( together for 17 years, and legally married on our 16th "anniversary") have a three year old son, and I am so excited for him to hope that someday we will save enough to let him have that experience. We have had a difficult time meeting other families with two Moms, and he was already interested in watching some clips of the film that highlighted other families like his.
It was especially moving to me to see scenes with your family. Struggling to get the baby's shoes on like the rest of us. There is a warmth that comes across from both you and Rosie, a feeling that I'm sure came across even stronger on the trip. Please know that although there were many families with you on that cruise, there are many, many more watching and supporting from the mainland. And we are thanking you.

[Dripping In Color]

Thank you! :D

[JennyGirl]

Well I had a chance to watch the film last night and it was amazing. What an awesome thing Ro and Kelli have put together to bring the community together in a positive sense. I am hoping to go on the crusie in 2007. I can't wait.

[TarheelDonna]

I loved the show. I had already made up my mind to go on a cruise with r Family. Now I know I will. Can't wait to get my deposit paid. Gotta do it this week after this hit show gets more people interested. Thanks!!!

[MissJen]

Loved it! It was beautiful. I watched it and cried and laughed and was really moved. My kids asked if we could go next time. :)

[spam421]

Rosie and Kelli:

What amazing people you two are to have put together a movie to allow the rest of the world to see how a family should be. Together, loving, honest, open and proud of each other. I am heterosexual, married and have an adopted daughter and I can vouch that I would much rather be on one of your cruises where I know that it would be truly a family event than any other cruise. The honesty, the hope, the trust, the purity of the love each family shared shined through without question. I cried at each wedding shown, for the couple who were denied donor sperm because they were lesbians, I cried when the daughter talked about how proud she was of her mom and I cried because it was all so heartwarming. You are my new heroes!

I wish you continued success in your cruises and I hope that each family that will be so lucky to be a part of it will continue to be happy and blessed.

May your fight for gays and lesbians to legally adopt be granted as I believe each child in this world deserves the right to be loved and cared for by loving parents. The operative word here is "Parents"! It does not matter if it is two dads or two moms...they are parents!

Sincerely,

Pam

[milestogo]

My husband and I fell so in love with this show. We are dying to know about the couple who met the donor couple - is she pregnant???? The teenagers were articulate and loving caring souls. We fell in love with the families and cried at the wedding at the end!

We had heard about the cruise and couldn't go. We're not gay, but thought it would be a wonderful family vacation. WAtching the show told us exactly what we already thought - it was just that!!! We're so glad to see that there will be more opportunties for families to meet in that loving caring "village"

Thank you to everyone for sharing your vacation with us.

Sincerely,
Kelly

[Patanekochi]

Hi Kelly,

My partner and I were the potential donors in the film. Things have turned in a great way. Rhonda and Amy's drean came true this year with the adoption of a beautiful girl from Guatemala and have started their family. We have been going through the adoption process for over a couple of years now with several diffent agencies. Things are looking good but it has been a slow rollercoaster-like process and extremely expensive. We are maintaining the faith that there is a child/children for the both of us. Please keep us in your thoughts. Thanks for asking.

James and Clay

[miche]

I found your generous donor offer "with no strings attached" to be one of the most touching moments of the documentary--especially in light of how much you also want to have a child. Best wishes in your adoption efforts. Such unselfishness should not go unrewarded.

[Patanekochi]

Thank you so much for your kind words. If we could make someone's dream come true we will love to help make it happen.

James and Clay

[2DadsnAnaheim]

My Partner and I have watched the All Aboard Documentary and a few weeks ago and decided then and there that we wanted to take our family on the Cruise.

So, I did some checking and found out the details, price and etc... . My partner then said something that totally surprised me and that took my breath away, he said we could even get married while we were on the cruise. I then asked him, if he was asking me to marry him and he said Yes, it brought both of us to shed Tears of Joy. We then decided that we need to show this to our 2 boys and see what there reactions would be and if they would be interested in going on the Cruise, so we sat down as a Family and watched it together and they said it looks like fun. We then said, well do you want to go on the Cruise and they both said yes.

We then asked them if they wanted to be in a wedding while on the Cruise and they said who's wedding was it. We said Ours, and they started jumping up and down and then came over and Hugged us both and said that they would.

So, to wrap up my little story, we have booked for the Feb 2007 Cruise and will be having a Holy Union on Feb 23 which is 2 months shy of our 14 year aniversary as a couple. It just goes to show you, that dreams can become a reality on the R Family Cruises.

Look forward to seeing all of you and the cruise in February, 2007.

Darrell Jerome

aka 2DadsnAnaheim

[ourtribe]

WOW! Darrell and Jerome,
Congrats to you both and how awesome for your boys. Its awesome to hear about a successful relationship...with kids...and now celebrating the years with a ceremony!

We are 12 years together...in the last three years we've been blessed with our daughter...and soon to follow her brother, our son. We are from Vermont and wanted our commitment reflected on the adoption documents. There was also the issue that my employment required it for partner and family insurence&benefits. Well, we never had realy any ceremony. When Vermont opened the option for 'civil unions' Craig and I were at a 8 year mark in our relationship. Funny we just didn't know what to do with this marking event. OUR marking event of committment happened many moons ago before now. THEN came our children. Gosh, doesn't that change everything. But circumstances would have it that we had so "budgeted" to be in a good place once children came along...the "big wedding" I ( and me only) had always dreamed of wasn't going to happen. It was discussed and WE did both agree that we just had to make priorites with our choices. We're on the same page. REALY. Except I do tear up everytime I read a story such as yours.

Now, WE ARE GOING ON THE CRUISE in Feb 07. We are so excited to do this family vacation. Our forever family together. And of course the thought crossed my mind too about celebrating our relationship with our chidren. Could this be it? Passed it by Craig and he said, in a nice way, "James! Realy...we aren't going on this cruise with that purpose...thought you wanted family around when we do this". Truth be known, we just aren't on the same page. Funny how opposites attract. I'm the sappy one who would love to have our relationship the center of a beautiful event, surrounded by our children and friends. He truly values all these things, as I do. I know this without ANY doubt. But Craig is simply not into the "show" of it all, as he states it.

So, again, THUMBS UP to you guys. I hope to meet in person to congradulate you and your family.

I'm still holding out for our 15th anaversery! Who knows, maybe he'll surprise me. LOL:rolleyes:

[Jan V]

I jusrt watched the documentary for the third time with my 7-year old daughter. The first couple of times, the big eye-opener for her was the protest in Nassau.

This time through, it occurred to me that I had to explain that some GLBT families do not have the opportunity to socialize with other families like ours because of where they live, and why it was such a big deal for some of them to be with other families like their own.

We are very fortunate here in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area to have such a strong network. Rainbow Families had their annual conference yesterday and there were about 1500 people there. As always, amazing. We go to their summer camp and get to just be ourselves with GLBT folks with kids. We go to Pride and see our families reflected around us.

So, my little girl doesn't have the experience of being the only kid with GLBT parents in her circle of friends; the experience of not having a support structure to meet other familes. There are probably more teaching moment in the film, we'll see if we find another.

[klms1423]

I watched the documentary for the first time this morning with my partner and our kids. I asked our 8 year old son if he thought it looked like fun. He said yes, there were kids with families just like his. We are planning to try a trip in the next couple of years. Our daughter is a preteen and just started middle school, I really enjoyed seeing the teenage kids on the documentary being in a comfortable environment to talk about there families. Keep up the good work Kelly and Rosie!!!