Aug. 7 cruise; and the sad news

[sarahste]

I was on the Aug. 7 Eastern Magic cruise -- the one delayed briefly in getting back due to Charley.

I was all ready to write up my trip report and post, and then I saw the news about the fire. Tragedy doesn't even begin to describe the loss.

As the mother of a five-year-old and one-year-old, I can only imagine the panic and difficulty of trying to escape a fire with two small children. I choke up even considering the possibility. My heart goes out to all involved, including the father, grandparents, even the firefighters (what a traumatic job they must have had!).

I will go home tonight and check and recheck our smoke alarms, retractable ladder, fire extinguishers, etc. I will have a fire drill at home this weekend with my family. I will make a donation to the Memorial Fund. I will make a donation to my community volunteer rescue squad. I will pray for Sophie and her family. I will cherish every moment of time that I have with my family, including the wonderful vacations that we are so lucky to experience.

Perhaps later I will be able to compose myself and post my reports. I know that I was lucky to have a vacation with my husband and children. No matter what fate throws us, those wonderful times and memories remain real and will always be with us.

I'm sure that Emma had much much joy in her life with the family that clearly loved her so much. We are all so very fortunate to have the opportunity to share fabulous vacations with those we love. I will use what I have learned here to remember never to take for granted that my greatest treasure is here with me.

-- Sarah

 

[mickeyboat]

Well said, Sarah.

Looking forward to reading your trip report.

Denae

 

[mississaugamom]

Thank you for your message, Sarah.

You listed some very important points for all of us.

Arlene

 

[ColeenD]

Thank you, Sarah.

 

[MamaQuack]

Amen Sarah

MamaQuack

 

[CurtS]

Well said, Sarah. I took time to remind my children of the importance of always taking time to be nice, take some time with one another, do things together and always say good-night with a hug and an "I love you". If my family has learned nothing else from this terrible loss it's that such a tragedy could befall anyone and that last opportunity will have been forever missed--that a million "I wish I had..." won't replace a single "I'm glad I did".

--Curt

 

[Doctor P]

Thank you. So well put.

 

[gonna go cruising]

I agree. It is times like this that really puts things into perspective.

 

[CM_Mom]

As my children became teenagers and then young adults, I started asking "have you hugged your momma today?" I wanted them to always know how much I love them...even if it embarassed the fool out of them. Things like this remind us to count the blessings we have because none of us are promised tomorrow.

 

[travellady]

Tomorrow and a long happy life can never be taken for granted - within just 3 years I lost my sister, my dad, my daughter, and my brother-in-law. And my twin sons, then 16, were in a terrible car crash - one of them almost died but I prayed to God to not take another and thankfully he's alive today and doing fine.

It taught me to enjoy every minute of every day, to take time out from the stresses of life and do things such as take vacations and go cruising no matter what. Most importantly, do those things with your family and appreciate each other for who they are and what they have to offer.

 

[LibertyBelle]

Very nicely worded Sarah. It really does make you stop, think, hug and cherish.

My husband and I don't have any children but we have our dogs and they are our lives. We recently lost one of them at only a year old and it was devestating for us. It ended up bringing my husband and I so much closer together. We recently got a new dog and her name is Emma. Everytime I call for her I think of Emmasgrammy and the tragedy that has happened. I pray for Sophie to have a full recovery and think about the family everyday. It is unimaginable what they are going through. I just know that there are so many loving people here on the Dis as well as the friends and family physically there with them that will give them the strength to get through this terrible time.

As you stated I to have taken a step back and relaized that I was leading a very stressful life for no need. I am just enjoying every day that I have here with my family and friends (which includes the extended Dis family). And CM_MOM I called my mom for lunch so I could get that hug.

A group hug for all
and 2 angels to watch over Sophie

 

[snelsonbrown]

AMEN to your heartfilled posted - very warm and very much to the heart.
God blessings to all
Always
Shirley and Norm