Going back to WDW... with a huge hole in our hearts

[FLYNZ4]

A few months ago I posted a note here when my 19 year old son perished in a plane crash. We are going back in less than 2 weeks... and it will certainly be different without having Gregory with us. Quite frankly, I am not too sure how we will do... but it is time to make this step.

We canceled our family trip last summer which was scheduled soon after the funeral. Our plan for this trip in February was to go with my brother & SiL without any kids to wean us back into WDW. Late changes allowed my oldest daughter to join us so it will now be 5 of us on this trip. We will be going again this summer for our first full family trip with both of our girls (21 and 23 yo)... and also Amanda, my son's fiancé.

Life for us now is a continual reminder of "things about Gregory". Everyday life brings us example after example of what a great kid he was... and is. It is strange... but when I think about WDW... I have very few thoughts of Gregory individually. Instead... most of my memories of Greg are blended into the times we had a family together. At first, I was upset with myself... wondering why I could not pull out clear visions of our many times together at our favorite vacation spot. Later I realized that it is a blessing... and a testament to the fun times we had as a family... our trips to WDW were not about individuals... it was about shared family fun and enjoyment.

Wish us luck on this next trip... and also on the full family trip to follow in a few months. Hopefully this makes us stronger. I do not think there is anything that we will not do... except my daughter cannot bring herself to go back to Disney Quest which was a favorite spot for her and her brother.

I know that most of you have wonderful families... and there is nothing that you wouldn't do for your kids. Give them an extra hug tonight... and enjoy every moment that you have with them.

/Jim

 

[loveswdw]

I just want to wish you all a great trip with lots of great memories (and not too much sadness) although I'm sure this trip will be bittersweet for you all.

Much pixie dust to you and your family!

Let us know how it goes when you return.

 

[Rozzie]

I remember your post, and have thought of you and your family often. God Bless you, and I hope you and your family have a wonderful trip, a trip full of wonderful heart warming memories, and that you laugh often.

Best Wishes to all of you.

 

[Louise-Montreal]

I remember your post, also. Thoughts and pixie dust that your vacation will bring back happy memories.

 

[SueOKW]

I missed your original post. I understand about the hole. so I say to you now - - one step at a time, the sun keeps rising and all that ... you know what!

i've seen more than what i perceive to be my "share" of tragedy in this life and i am here to tell you that you will get through... of course you know that by now. Someone keeps telling me that grief is like a shadow, sometimes sharp, sometimes faded. I'm sure he's there with you in your hearts every moment.

 

[laceemouse]

God bless you and your family. I know it will be hard but try to enjoy yourselves and remember all of the good times with your son

 

[dgaston]

Of course this will be a hard trip. I can only offer the platitudes that many do. Would Gregory want you to have a bad time at WDW? From reading your posts I think that is something he would not want. And you may find some lovely new memories to add to the earlier ones. I sincerely hope so.

 

[OneMoreTry]

I don't know what it's like to lose a child. But I know what it's like to be at WDW with memories of loved ones (DF and DM) who are gone. They adored the place and would dig deep into a very limited budget to take us there whenever they could. It's hard that they're gone but wonderful that the memories are so great. Being at WDW makes me seem closer to them and I'm sure that's one of the reasons I love it so much.

I don't know if that's anything like being there without a child. It hurts me to try to imagine it. I suppose you'll shed a tear or two, but enjoy the loved ones who are still with you and thank you for reminding us all to do that.

 

[Tomskatt]

I am so sorry for your heartbreaking loss... I am so happy for your family though, that you are going on with your life. I can only imagine it is what I would want my family to do if I was gone. I will keep your family in my prayers and look forward to hearing about this bittersweet journey. Good luck to you. ((((((((())))))

 

[cstraub]

My heart goes out to you.......

 

[MiaSRN62]

and there is nothing that you wouldn't do for your kids. Give them an extra hug tonight... and enjoy every moment that you have with them.

Jim,
I also remember your post. Hold all of those wonderful memories of Gregory close to your heart and have a very nice trip back to WDW. Big hugs to you and your family

 

[mrsminniemouse]

I have thought about you and your family many times since reading your news. I truly hope that your family gets some comfort from the memories that a visit to WDW will rekindle.

I will go and hug my DD now and be thankful for her. Thank you for reminding me of what a precious gift a child is.

with love,
Mandy

 

[Hef4545]

I am so sorry for your loss and the pain you must be in and will be thinking of you.
Perhaps you could plan a new tradition of doing something special together while you are in WDW to celebrate Gregory's life. It would be something just for him and you could do it each time you are there. A toast to him at a place he liked to eat...release a balloon ...ride on a ride that he loved together as a family...find his favorite character...watch the fireworks....It could be Gregory's Moment, just for him.

 

[gilld]

I remember your original post well and I now hope that these trips go well for you and your family. Yes, it will be difficult at times, the memories will flood back and sometimes be painful but Gregory will be closeby.

My very best wishes to you.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I remember your original post, and I was wondering what you decided. I'm glad you have decided to continue to go...I think Gregory would have wanted that. I know these next two trips will be difficult, but they will be sweet too, as you remember the great times you had and continue to make new memorys for the future.

 

[bobbiwoz]

My best wishes to you all.

Bobbi

 

[mbb]

Prayers, peace and blessings...



Mary Beth

 

[shantay1008]

I know we don't know each other, but I hope you'll let me share a little something with you.

My mother's best friend, Mary, died last October, and recently my mom was having breakfast with Mary's husband. Frank told my mom that he was planning to go to Paris, and my mom was a little stunned because that was Frank and Mary's favorite city to visit. They truly loved Paris and had been there several times together. My mom asked how he could stand to be there alone when he had spent so many wonderful times there with Mary. That's just it, Frank told my mom. Paris was their city, so he knew that Mary would be with him.

My wish for you is that you and your family feel your son with you in this place that is so special to all of you.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Jim -- I know this trip is going to be very difficult for you, but I also feel it will become a special type of "therapy" to help ease your grief. I remember your original post and the shock I felt when I realized Gregory was the young man I heard about on the local news (we live just across the river in Vancouver). Once again, let me offer my condolences along with sincere wishes that your upcoming visit to WDW is a gentle reminder that Gregory lived life to the fullest and made the world a better place... .

 

[lovinthemouse]

May God Bless you and your family on this trip. You have our family prayers!!!