message in a bottle

[we4blairs]

We leave tomorrow to take the DSs on their first cruise, as a way to replace some bad memories.

A year ago this Sunday, DH and I were involved in a major motorcycle accident that nearly took us both. We spent a week in ICU, then I spent months in a hospital bed, followed by more in therapy. Not only did our kids have to deal with the trauma of nearly losing both parents, but they also had to watch us suffer and fight to heal.

Our lives were basically put on hold the last year. Each time we felt we were on the mend, another problem would pop up. I know it has been hard on them. At only 6 and 11, they have had to grow up so much this past year. A parent never wants to be weak in front of their kids. We have had to depend on them in so many ways the past year and they've been there every step.

We still aren't 100% but we are happy to be alive and with our kids. Being in a home with all men, emotions and feelings aren't often put out in the open. I had thought about maybe having the kids (and us) write down everything we wanted to say, how we felt, how the year has changed us, etc. and then toss it in the ocean.

After a long story (sorry), my question is - is this allowed? Is there a rule against throwing something overboard? I just thought it might be a symbolic way to put the past behind us and let the memories made on this cruise let us start a 'new year'.

 

[YesGrumpy]

I don't know whether there are rules or not, but I believe it's a wonderful sentiment - if you cannot "throw" it overboard you can always do something on shore. I am so glad you shared your story with us - I hope you have a fantastic time and a family time for complete healing through a Disney cruise - let the magic begin for you and your "boys".

 

[Lew]

What a wonderful idea to put the past behind you and begin again. I know of no rule or regulation about doing something like this. A perfect place to do this would be on deck 7 aft. It's fairly private.

Good luck to you and your family. Best wishes for a wonderful cruise...

 

[msr709]

What a beautiful sentiment. But may I suggest that you do this at a beach rather than onboard. I've read several threads about things going overboard and winding up in someone's verandah (due to wind, I guess) or God forbid hitting someone on the way down. We have a custom in Puerto Rico, on the Day of San Juan, everyone goes to a beach and walks into the water backwards with a message in a bottle or something they want to get rid of and throw it into the ocean with a silent prayer of new beginnings. I hope everything goes well for you and your family and have a wonderful vacation together.

 

[mom x4 grandma x4]

I am blowing lots of pixie dust your way for a magical cruise!!!

I think you have an awesome idea that will help with the healing process. I've been there myself.

Please give us a trip report when you return, I'd love to hear how it all works out for you and your family.

mom x4,grandma x4

 

[HooKooDooKu]

DCL has rules forbidding the throwing of ANYTHING overboard.

I believe this is for saftey reasons as well as any environmental reasons as even 'ice' is forbidden from being thrown overboard.


While not as romatic sounding as a message in a bottle, some alternatives could include simply tossing those cares into the trash at the DCL terminal. The idea being that you leave all those cares and memories on shore and the moment you step on the ship begins the new memories.

Other ideas might include finding a helium ballon sometime during your trip and tying the message to the ballon and letting it go (technically might not be considered throwing something over-board).

In any case, have a safe-memory filled trip.

 

[@GoofyNut]

Your story was a sad one and I can see the "new start" idea is a good one. But I think that DCL does forbid anything overboard. The balloon idea is a good one but may be hard to find one to do it with. May I suggest two different things to try.....

1. Bring a bottle of bubbles for each of you and pick a time, maybe sail-a-way where you can put your thoughts into the bubbles and let them float off into the sky.

2. Either get with guest services or have your travel agent set up a meeting with the "captain" (or anyone in a captain looking outfit) and give your thoughts to him to "bury at sea". You can explain ahead of time what you told us and ask that the "captain" take the papers and shred them for you. The kids will be none the smarter and the deed will be accomplished.

I really hope things work out for you anyway you are able and that you can have a happy and safe hereafter.

 

[we4blairs]

Thanks so much for your kind words and ideas. I like many of them so now I'll just have to decide what to do. I think the kids would enjoy the bubbles.

This board has been so helpful...I'm so glad I found it!

 

[snelsonbrown]

we4blairs,
Can you please drop me a note at snelsonbrown@aol.com.
Thanks
shirley

 

[michelle9343]

I just wanted to send your family some Many other Disers have given you great ideas. I did something similar a few years ago. On New Years eve wrote down all of the "bad" things from the past year and burned them in the fire place. I cannot tell you how much peace it brought me. Have a wonderful trip filled with many HAPPY memories.

 

[snelsonbrown]

This is just something I wanted to share with each of you. Being a single mom and losing 2 children at a very young age, it seemed like I was overwhelmed by the end of each year, so I started a tradition with my children that went like this - each year after we took our Christmas tree down, I would drag it to a safe place where it could be burned - there each of the children and myself would write down all of the things that worried us thoughtout the year - we would tie them to the tree and then set it on fire - of couse with a water hose running and very close by - we would end it with saying a prayer and as the tree burned all the bad memories of that year would go with the tree - my children have never forgotten those events and until today, they still do it and start with good vives for the coming year.
Some may not be able to do this, but it sure worked for my 5 children and especially for me.
Just a thought I am sharing
Always
Shirley

PS - nope there was never an accident and I always got an ok with the fire department to do it.

 

[Cindi0511]

This is just something I wanted to share with each of you. Being a single mom and losing 2 children at a very young age, it seemed like I was overwhelmed by the end of each year, so I started a tradition with my children that went like this - each year after we took our Christmas tree down, I would drag it to a safe place where it could be burned - there each of the children and myself would write down all of the things that worried us thoughtout the year - we would tie them to the tree and then set it on fire - of couse with a water hose running and very close by - we would end it with saying a prayer and as the tree burned all the bad memories of that year would go with the tree - my children have never forgotten those events and until today, they still do it and start with good vives for the coming year.
Some may not be able to do this, but it sure worked for my 5 children and especially for me.
Just a thought I am sharing
Always
Shirley

PS - nope there was never an accident and I always got an ok with the fire department to do it.

Good idea, Shirley, especially with all the precautions/planning you did. I'm glad it helped you all -- it certainly made a lasting impression. My condolences on losing your children -- that's a terrible, terrible experience.

 

[Indea88]

I think that the thoughts in the bottle are a wonderful idea!! I too nearly died two years ago when my bladder was severed in half during my ceserean section. I don't remember that first year afterwards. My goal if I survived the ordeal was to sail on the Mgic with my children. I remember finally stepping over the bridge and onto the ship and feeling that is was a new beginning, a release, peace for once after all we had been through as a family. Your idea is a true healing project, I am sure with the proper clearance you should be able to complete the mission!! Hugs to you and your family and to your health and recovery !! Andie

 

[Lindy Loo]

All the ideas are wonderful..... in fact I'm having a little cry when reading this thread. Just wanted to wish you and your family a wonderful cruise. Enjoy every second.Please do a trip report and let us know how you got on. Take care...... tons of pixie dust to you all xxxxx

 

[Capt_BJ]

your sentiments are sound but I encourage you to find another outlet. Throwing anything over the side is strongly discouraged....actually proscribed.

Tossing a plastic bottle is technically a violation of international law which has banned the disposal of any plastics at sea...even those suggested balloons are plastics. A cruise line could be fined for something as small as one plastic plate. (didn't say they would be....)

I suppose you are technically OK were you to use a glass bottle from the beach, but I would discourage it. Let your survival and recovery be an example for curing sick oceans rather than a contribution to their death from dumping....

If you want to toss the paper alone - that's fine. It breaks down in days, rather than tens of years for plastic or glass - but still you should not toss it from the ship - bad example for the kiddies.

 

[mmouse37]

Some of those are really wonderful ideas.....

DCL definately forbids ANYTHING being thrown from the ship....last year as we were passing through the Panama Canal some passengers were throwing candy and trinkets to all the dozens of children that lined up on shore to wave to the ship and the Captain had to make announcements to stop the throwing of items....the Canal Authority was going to fine the ship about $250,000.00 if it continued. So there are plenty of rules about that.

On another note...I told my family when I pass I want to be cremeated and my ashes thrown off the back of the Magic while at sea.....I guess I will have to have them to under cover of darkness!!!!LOL!!!

 

[wdwturkeyleg]

Balloons aren't even allowed to be brought on board the ship. They will be taken at the port and you can piick it upon return.

 

[kellimomo3]

It may be prohibited, but it is not enforced. When we cruised last year my boys has written notes and put them in bottles (special airtight bottles designed for this purpose). One night, while at sea, we asked a crew member or two where was a good spot to toss them in. They suggested deck 4 and that's where we went. It was nice and quiet, the boys tossed their bottles into the sea and could actually see them float off. Please don't flame me. I did not know this was a no-no. I say, if this is something you feel strongly about go to deck four where you can actually see it land in the water and there's no danger of it landing on a person in a veranda and toss it in.

Kelli

 

[we4blairs]

Just wanted to say thanks to those of you who had kind words and pixie dust. Our trip was WONDERful and I feel very blessed to have experienced this with my children.

We used the bubble idea and it worked well. Talked to the kids the night before we flew out and encouraged them to use this trip as a way to move on. We all had tears in our eyes during the sail away party...for more reasons than one.

thanks again!

 

[nzdisneymom]

Welcome home... I'm glad you all had a wonderful trip - did you post a trip report yet? I'll have to go look.