October 25, 2008 Halloween on the High Seas (2)

[RayRing]

I want to apologize for not posting since the cruise ended. It was due entirely to unforeseen and unwanted events that occurred shortly upon our return, and which were not resolved until mid January.

I have logged on several times to stay current with the postings, and enjoyed reading about every ones cruise experiences and their future plans.

I want to thank everyone who worked so hard before and during the Cruise, so that we got to experience addition magic. Thank you for making those activities open to the group, and for including us in the fun.
My wife and I, and especially our kids loved being part of the ToT, and I snagged a wonderful picture of their group out of one of the postings.

I would also be incredibly remiss if I didn't acknowledge all the wonderful people we met through the cruise meet postings, the on-line chats, and during numerous encounters throughout the cruise.

I wish everyone the very best. I look forward to continuing to read about every ones adventures, and have no doubt that we will meet again.

Thanks for being part of one of the best vacations our family has had.

John

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Great photos Val!

Happy belated birthday! Love the Mickey cake!

 

[suziemva]

Well, if life is complicated enough these past few weeks, we just got home from the hospital tonight. Ameera caught the "super bug" that's been going around. She was so sick that she became seriously dehydrated and was admitted into the hospital. Poor baby. But she's doing so much better and they let her come home today! YEAH! But I must say, I really don't want to be within 50 feet of a hospital for years to come! Oh vey!

 

[CruiseBoundnKY]

Glad shes home and on the up and up

She looks so sad. Hopefully smiles will return soon.

Karen

 

[NewfieMom]

Oh No! Not my little Tinkerbell!! I still remember her falling asleep on my shoulder in the line up for the ride in Epcot! Hope she's feeling better. But Holy Cow Suzie - how are you holding up?? & to you - you've had a really rough couple of weeks. Hopefully this means things are turning around.

Valerie

 

[suziemva]

She's doing much better today. Still very sleepy and recovering.

Val, I remember that too! She took so well to so many people on the cruise! It's so nice!!! We'll just have to watch that in years to come though.... BUT that day at the beach was fabulous and she just LOVED being in the water with you!

We're doing okay. Just trying to wade through all the paperwork, etc. Wednesday will be the ceremony day at Arlington National Cemetery then I will feel like it's finally over. Tori said she wants to come and she's been holding up so well. My family from FL can't come so we're having the ceremony video/audio taped by a friend and his company for them.

Oh, and Val, I think it's more like Stinkerbell lately!!! Little Miss Princess is trying to take the Queen Mum's crown here!!! LOL!

Love y'all!
Suzie

 

[taraandmike]

Wow, I have been away for awhile just logged in tonight and am so far behind.

Suzie,
My gosh, you have had a rough time these past couple weeks, I can not believe that I missed this. Just know I am here if you need to talk just give me a call anytime. Kiss and hug both your girls for me they are both so precious and poor little Ameera looks so sad. I hope she is feeling better soon. My thought and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Val, love the pictures of your kids in the snow I promised pictures weeks ago maybe tomorrow I will finally have them downloaded. I clearly remeber that day on Castaway Cay and all the "boys" playing in the water, while us girls relaxed on the beach, wish we were there right now!

We miss so many of you, and the wonderful times we had we really became a close group and once we met in person, things only got better. I wish we could all be on vacation together again sounds like many of us need a break!

 

[suziemva]

Ran into a family tonight at dinner that was talking about taking a Disney cruise! Of course my ears perked up and I just had to step in! They were worried that their kids would not enjoy it - HA! After telling them about our last fabulous cruise and this website, I think they are hooked! They like DL and WDW so this was the next step for them. How funny is that?! But then I started thinking about wishing I was planning for another cruise......ah, to dream.....

Keep us in your thoughts tomorrow. It's the final ceremony for my dad. He'll be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery. This is the one I'm most worried about for me. The finality and reality of it all.

We went to the hospital today to give our thanks to the ICU for my dad's time there, the Peds ER and Peds Unit. We took them LOTS of chocolate, which I'm told is a nurses favorite food!!! LOL! They were just so nice to us with my dad and with Ameera. It was nice to be able to thank them in person. Sometime next week I've got to get to Fair Oaks to give them their basket o' goodies. This is going to be the hardest because I really talked with these nurses. This was his final place he breathed his last breath. They took such good care of my dad and me when I was there with him. They made sure I had a really nice reclining sleeping chair to be with him overnight and never made me feel in the way - even though I feel sure I was!! They were just so sweet and respectful to my dad, calling him Mr. Bobby or Mr. Rigsby. Bless their hearts, to be so nice with all the sickness in the ICU and what they deal with.

I've said this before but it bears being said again, thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the medical personnel and support staff out there. We families rely on you for everything when our loved ones are in your hands. It seems such a trite thing to say, thank you, and it just doesn't convey the depth of gratitude but nothing, NOTHING, can say it like we mean it. It doesn't matter what position you served us in, just that you did. From the person that washes the floor or sheets, to the person who brings the meals, to the pharmacist who dispenses the medicine so much needed to the nurse who tenderly speaks to their patient and family, to the doctor who holds my hand and says you made the right decision. Thank you.

 

[jenn&nelsonrego]

Ran into a family tonight at dinner that was talking about taking a Disney cruise! Of course my ears perked up and I just had to step in! They were worried that their kids would not enjoy it - HA! After telling them about our last fabulous cruise and this website, I think they are hooked! They like DL and WDW so this was the next step for them. How funny is that?! But then I started thinking about wishing I was planning for another cruise......ah, to dream.....

Keep us in your thoughts tomorrow. It's the final ceremony for my dad. He'll be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery. This is the one I'm most worried about for me. The finality and reality of it all.

We went to the hospital today to give our thanks to the ICU for my dad's time there, the Peds ER and Peds Unit. We took them LOTS of chocolate, which I'm told is a nurses favorite food!!! LOL! They were just so nice to us with my dad and with Ameera. It was nice to be able to thank them in person. Sometime next week I've got to get to Fair Oaks to give them their basket o' goodies. This is going to be the hardest because I really talked with these nurses. This was his final place he breathed his last breath. They took such good care of my dad and me when I was there with him. They made sure I had a really nice reclining sleeping chair to be with him overnight and never made me feel in the way - even though I feel sure I was!! They were just so sweet and respectful to my dad, calling him Mr. Bobby or Mr. Rigsby. Bless their hearts, to be so nice with all the sickness in the ICU and what they deal with.

I've said this before but it bears being said again, thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the medical personnel and support staff out there. We families rely on you for everything when our loved ones are in your hands. It seems such a trite thing to say, thank you, and it just doesn't convey the depth of gratitude but nothing, NOTHING, can say it like we mean it. It doesn't matter what position you served us in, just that you did. From the person that washes the floor or sheets, to the person who brings the meals, to the pharmacist who dispenses the medicine so much needed to the nurse who tenderly speaks to their patient and family, to the doctor who holds my hand and says you made the right decision. Thank you.

 

[suziemva]

Thanks, Jenn.

 

[jns]

Suzie Hope everything goes to plan today
will be thinking of you all

 

[suziemva]

Thanks, Jackie.

Yesterday was easier than I thought it would be. The Honor Guard was just wonderful but I felt so sorry for them, standing in the snow and cold! There were soooo many services going on around us! We heard the guns (21 gun salute) 5 times during our service - meaning 5 other services going on at the same time in different parts of the cemetery.

I must say though even cold it was beautiful. The snow just made it more gorgeous and silent. It was so peaceful - that is until the planes from National Airport would fly over! LOL! But it was a beautiful, patriotic service, one that I was very proud of and felt did such honor to my dad and his service. We're planning on taking the girls back in the spring when it's a bit warmer. To the right is the Pentagon, specifically where the plane hit on 9/11. To the left is the Washington Monument, State Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. Behind and to the right is the Air Force Memorial, rising into the sky. Just such a beautiful view. I'll have to post a picture of the view when we go again later.

 

[NewfieMom]

Sounds like the service went well Suzie. Thoughts and prayers are with you

Valerie

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Ran into a family tonight at dinner that was talking about taking a Disney cruise! Of course my ears perked up and I just had to step in! They were worried that their kids would not enjoy it - HA! After telling them about our last fabulous cruise and this website, I think they are hooked! They like DL and WDW so this was the next step for them. How funny is that?! But then I started thinking about wishing I was planning for another cruise......ah, to dream.....

Keep us in your thoughts tomorrow. It's the final ceremony for my dad. He'll be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery. This is the one I'm most worried about for me. The finality and reality of it all.

We went to the hospital today to give our thanks to the ICU for my dad's time there, the Peds ER and Peds Unit. We took them LOTS of chocolate, which I'm told is a nurses favorite food!!! LOL! They were just so nice to us with my dad and with Ameera. It was nice to be able to thank them in person. Sometime next week I've got to get to Fair Oaks to give them their basket o' goodies. This is going to be the hardest because I really talked with these nurses. This was his final place he breathed his last breath. They took such good care of my dad and me when I was there with him. They made sure I had a really nice reclining sleeping chair to be with him overnight and never made me feel in the way - even though I feel sure I was!! They were just so sweet and respectful to my dad, calling him Mr. Bobby or Mr. Rigsby. Bless their hearts, to be so nice with all the sickness in the ICU and what they deal with.

I've said this before but it bears being said again, thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the medical personnel and support staff out there. We families rely on you for everything when our loved ones are in your hands. It seems such a trite thing to say, thank you, and it just doesn't convey the depth of gratitude but nothing, NOTHING, can say it like we mean it. It doesn't matter what position you served us in, just that you did. From the person that washes the floor or sheets, to the person who brings the meals, to the pharmacist who dispenses the medicine so much needed to the nurse who tenderly speaks to their patient and family, to the doctor who holds my hand and says you made the right decision. Thank you.

Dear Suzie

Just wanted to send you a big bunch of
You have been through such a lot lately, and I can certainly relate. Since Christmas we have lost both my Nan and my sister, who was only 39, in addition to losing my Dad just a year ago. My sister also spent her last days on ICU and I can understand every word you have written about the feelings of gratitude to the wonderful people who care for our loved ones and support us at tragic times like these.

The ceremony you had for your Dad sounds a wonderful tribute, and I hope you have gained strength and peace from it. Our thoughts are with you.

 

[Shoshie]

I'm so sorry I haven't been keeping up with all on here.

Big from Adam and I to all in need of healing (we call it a misheberach).

Adam is recovering from a sprained ankle (boo), but he got a new job (yeah)

I'm loving working for the mouse and we are currently planning our Baltic cruise for RCCL this May and waiting with baited breath for DCL to announce when it will be bringing the Magic home to L.A.

We miss trip planning with everyone on here.

 

[NewfieMom]

Okay - this is not good They've finally installed one of those filter shields on our work computers and I can't check the DIS at work anymore . I had been really good and never posted at work, but did like to check in for my daily "fix" and see if anyone had posted since the night before. It was my little stress reliever at work - but no more. NOT FAIR!!!!!!

So how is everyone? Life is busy here. Spend all our time chasing the kids around - I used to have a life before I had them! Miss planning a cruise, but still reliving the last one! Miss you all!

Valerie

 

[jns]

Dear Suzie

Just wanted to send you a big bunch of
You have been through such a lot lately, and I can certainly relate. Since Christmas we have lost both my Nan and my sister, who was only 39, in addition to losing my Dad just a year ago. My sister also spent her last days on ICU and I can understand every word you have written about the feelings of gratitude to the wonderful people who care for our loved ones and support us at tragic times like these.

The ceremony you had for your Dad sounds a wonderful tribute, and I hope you have gained strength and peace from it. Our thoughts are with you.

Sarah I'm so sorry to hear about your Nan and Sister

 

[suziemva]

Everyone, thank you for the hugs, etc. I really do need and appreciate them! We're meeting with one of my brothers tomorrow to start going through Dad's things to get ready to pack up. I still keep feeling like he's going to call me any moment and ask why his things are going into storage! It still just doesn't feel real.

Sarah, I'm so sorry to hear about your Nan and your sister. Gosh, you've had a time of it lately. Please accept our sincerest condolences.

Well, the other day it was 75 degrees, we were wearing shorts and now this morning it's snowing. A week and a half ago we had snow on the ground too. This is the craziest weather! I know it had gotten so cold down in WDW that they closed the water parks a few days!

We're counting the days until spring break. I still can't believe we're going to WDW during spring break! BUT we need to get away. Ed has a guy to train to handle all the issues while we're gone so hopefully the calls will be down to a minimum and we won't be so interrupted with phone calls!!!

Gosh, I wish I was going on another cruise but things just aren't going that way. I miss being on here with everyone, planning, etc. Best of luck to all those that are planning future cruises! Heck, I'd just be happy enough to see people over the summer!!! (Um, that's a HUGE hint to you guys....!!)

 

[jns]

sitting here on the laptop remembering our great Sat night chatroom chats
was talking to sarah on facebook a wee while ago
anyone else on face book
just look for jackie sharkey to look me up

 

[suziemva]

sitting here on the laptop remembering our great Sat night chatroom chats
was talking to sarah on facebook a wee while ago
anyone else on face book
just look for jackie sharkey to look me up

I'm on FB - I'll look for you there.

I was thinking about the chat nights....I do miss them! Actually I miss everyone! And the cruise.....I'm just glad that we are leaving in less than two weeks for Disney! (Jenn, that's for you.....!!!) I need my fix and to get away.