Walking on Sunshine : Celebrating Spring at Universal & SeaWorld - an April/May 2016 PTR

[pigletto]

I wish I had the right words to help or comfort you Gina. What keeps echoing through my head though is your own words about not understanding the grand plan until later. I remember a broken heart or two that I thought I would never ever recover from, yet here I am a very happily married woman with two outstanding children and I think "Everything went exactly as it should have." I can't imagine my life turning out better than it has. Painful lessons are a necessary part of growth, and when handled with care and dignity, they shape our character for the better. It's so hard when we are in the throes of it all, but I have no doubt that this is but one more step toward the intended path.. for all of you.
I'm going to try my hardest to make it over to the Vistana to see you if you are still up for it. We don't have to talk about it, but we do need to have a laugh.

 

[Vestmama4]

Oh Gina I am so so sorry. Sending you a big hug. I've witnessed firsthand how crippling anxiety can be, so prayers to Sunshine to get the help she needs. My heart goes out to all of you.

 

[tortilla24]

Have you considered having Jake bring along a bestfriend? It may be nice having a good buddy to help Jake through the difficult time and also bring some good joy to everyone. Maybe too much of a hassle but would help solve the issue with the baseball tickets/universal tix.

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

Gina you are such a kind hearted soul, you have nothing to feel guilty for and everything to feel proud of. You loved and accepted Sunshine into your family unconditionally and included her in your family vacation, even planned it around her That is huge and a wonderful gift to her. No matter what happens (or does not) with her and Jake in the future she will always have those memories of being loved and a part, if only briefly, of your family. That's the most you can do and now your priority is to see your son through this very difficult time in his life. It sounds that Sunshine also has good support from her family to take care of her needs and get her whatever help she needs.

Having said that, I know a bit of how you are feeling like you lost a very good friend. When I was a young teenager, many moons ago, my oldest brother was dating a girl who was about 5 years older than me. She used to come to our home a lot and we would hang out together, talk etc. and I used to so look forward to that. In my childish brain I thought of her as my friend and not my brother's girlfriend. After about a year or so they broke up and I never saw her again. My brother moved on but I did not for a long time. I missed her company and the house felt empty. I had to "get over her" too, if that makes any sense.

Anyways, so looking forward to reading about your trip to Orlando. I know if you allow yourselves you will have a wonderful time, as you usually do. We also love it there but dh is not a huge fan of theme parks although he does like Universal much better than Disney. After doing the 24 hour drive from Canada four times in the past I'm not sure I can manage to convince him for a fifth. With the kids no longer being little, there goes my bait so I will have to discover a new way to sway him to my way of thinking.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Oh that's so hard dealing with all of those trip logistics on top of the emotions. I know you had planned so much with Sunshine in mind. I'm glad you got most of it sorted.

I would keep the Uni tix and upgrade them and do the AP thing again. You and Steve got such good use out of your last APs.

 

[toystoryduo]

Oh, Gina! I am so sorry. I can't even begin to imagine how hard all of this has been for all of you. I'm sure it was very difficult to make all of the adjustments to your travel plans yesterday. Many hugs and continued prayers for your family and for Sunshine and her family as well.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I wish I had the right words to help or comfort you Gina. What keeps echoing through my head though is your own words about not understanding the grand plan until later. I remember a broken heart or two that I thought I would never ever recover from, yet here I am a very happily married woman with two outstanding children and I think "Everything went exactly as it should have." I can't imagine my life turning out better than it has. Painful lessons are a necessary part of growth, and when handled with care and dignity, they shape our character for the better. It's so hard when we are in the throes of it all, but I have no doubt that this is but one more step toward the intended path.. for all of you.
I'm going to try my hardest to make it over to the Vistana to see you if you are still up for it. We don't have to talk about it, but we do need to have a laugh.

All good advice, my friend. My problem (as per usual) is that my heart usually drowns out the common sense and logic that gently whispers in my ear. I have to learn to think more and feel less.

I would absolutely LOVE to get together with you for a drink during our cross-over dates!! I'm not a drinker by nature, but after this week.....I am more than willing to make an exception .

@dancin Disney style , time to book a cheap last minute ticket with Southwest and meet us there. Our all-Canadian Dismeet has to happen sometime. We can start discussing that shed in the back yard again, and I hear you would be the perfect person to make recommendations on the most suitable poolside beverages .

Oh Gina I am so so sorry. Sending you a big hug. I've witnessed firsthand how crippling anxiety can be, so prayers to Sunshine to get the help she needs. My heart goes out to all of you.

Thank you . I think more people can relate than we ever realize, its just something that is not openly talked about. I am so sorry to hear this is something that has also touched your life......its not an easy thing. Prayers for you and your family, too.

Have you considered having Jake bring along a bestfriend? It may be nice having a good buddy to help Jake through the difficult time and also bring some good joy to everyone. Maybe too much of a hassle but would help solve the issue with the baseball tickets/universal tix.

It would have been a lovely idea, but most of his friends are also now in the workforce (or just finishing their final year of college and returning to their hometowns to find jobs). Then there would be the cost of airfare to factor in, as we are flying versus driving. Considering the turn of events, I think (hope?) it might be rather healing to have it be just the three of us for a 10-day stretch. There is no one I'd rather be with than my boys, and I am certain they feel the same way.

Gina you are such a kind hearted soul, you have nothing to feel guilty for and everything to feel proud of. You loved and accepted Sunshine into your family unconditionally and included her in your family vacation, even planned it around her That is huge and a wonderful gift to her. No matter what happens (or does not) with her and Jake in the future she will always have those memories of being loved and a part, if only briefly, of your family. That's the most you can do and now your priority is to see your son through this very difficult time in his life. It sounds that Sunshine also has good support from her family to take care of her needs and get her whatever help she needs.

Having said that, I know a bit of how you are feeling like you lost a very good friend. When I was a young teenager, many moons ago, my oldest brother was dating a girl who was about 5 years older than me. She used to come to our home a lot and we would hang out together, talk etc. and I used to so look forward to that. In my childish brain I thought of her as my friend and not my brother's girlfriend. After about a year or so they broke up and I never saw her again. My brother moved on but I did not for a long time. I missed her company and the house felt empty. I had to "get over her" too, if that makes any sense.

Anyways, so looking forward to reading about your trip to Orlando. I know if you allow yourselves you will have a wonderful time, as you usually do. We also love it there but dh is not a huge fan of theme parks although he does like Universal much better than Disney. After doing the 24 hour drive from Canada four times in the past I'm not sure I can manage to convince him for a fifth. With the kids no longer being little, there goes my bait so I will have to discover a new way to sway him to my way of thinking.

Funny you mention that. I just said to my friend the other day that I haven't felt this awful since we made the agonizing decision to put our cat down when she went into full kidney failure. I had tried so hard, and prayed so much, to make her better but ultimately ended up failing her. This almost feels the same.

Sunshine and I have been chatting by text this morning, and she is dropping over later tonight for a visit with me (Jake is doing his regular Wednesday evening respite care so he won't be home). It will give us a good chance to talk, and I think she needs that. I have assured her that we will still be there for her, and I plan to stand by that claim 100%.

Oh that's so hard dealing with all of those trip logistics on top of the emotions. I know you had planned so much with Sunshine in mind. I'm glad you got most of it sorted.

I would keep the Uni tix and upgrade them and do the AP thing again. You and Steve got such good use out of your last APs.

I haven't yet run the idea past Steve, but it will give us a good topic for discussion over dinner tonight. I know he was looking forward to checking out Kong when it opens, so I am sure that will be a big factor in his opinion.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Oh, Gina! I am so sorry. I can't even begin to imagine how hard all of this has been for all of you. I'm sure it was very difficult to make all of the adjustments to your travel plans yesterday. Many hugs and continued prayers for your family and for Sunshine and her family as well.

Thank you. My mom always told us "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger". I feel as if I will be giving Popeye a run for his money by the time we leave on this trip!

 

[bankr63]

You know for a guy who is quick to respond with a quip, words have escaped me reading through these last couple of days of posts. Please know my heart first fell, and thus unchained, then flew out to all of you.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Oh Gina what a thing to happen. I am sending you all my good thoughts and best wishes as ever you have been extremely open and honest with everyone and no doubt we all feel your hurt and wish we could help and take away a little of the pain.

I haven't been around much, so just catching up. Sadly, my MIL pass away a couple of weeks ago so had a lot going on. As you know, life never goes as planned

 

[pattyw]

My heart is heavy for the news but I hope in some way you can feel the warmth that we are all sending along to you and your family!

 

[dancin Disney style]

. I was touched and humbled by your gentleness and lack of judgement.

I think we are a pretty good bunch here! Nice folks, which is why we have a good time together in these threads. OK, well the others are nice....me, not so much

We are nurturers by nature, and to know that someone we love is hurting has been a heavy cross to bear. I seriously want a do-over for this week. I want to be able to fix the unfixable, mend broken hearts, solve every problem and restore light and happiness where we are all feeling very empty.

That's because you are the most awesome mother of the most awesome future son in law on the planet.

To each of you who posted a message of support and encouragement here, I offer you a big hug.

Right back at ya!!!!

 

[dancin Disney style]

I wish I had the right words to help or comfort you Gina. What keeps echoing through my head though is your own words about not understanding the grand plan until later. I remember a broken heart or two that I thought I would never ever recover from, yet here I am a very happily married woman with two outstanding children and I think "Everything went exactly as it should have." I can't imagine my life turning out better than it has. Painful lessons are a necessary part of growth, and when handled with care and dignity, they shape our character for the better. It's so hard when we are in the throes of it all, but I have no doubt that this is but one more step toward the intended path.. for all of you.
I'm going to try my hardest to make it over to the Vistana to see you if you are still up for it. We don't have to talk about it, but we do need to have a laugh.

Brilliant!!!!

 

[dancin Disney style]

@dancin Disney style , time to book a cheap last minute ticket with Southwest and meet us there. Our all-Canadian Dismeet has to happen sometime. We can start discussing that shed in the back yard again, and I hear you would be the perfect person to make recommendations on the most suitable poolside beverages .

I was actually thinking about a fall trip with lots of cocktails by the pool. Only problem is if Grumpy Cat wants to attend the summer intensive that she won the scholarship to I'll be in prison by the fall.

 

[pattyw]

I was actually thinking about a fall trip with lots of cocktails by the pool. Only problem is if Grumpy Cat wants to attend the summer intensive that she won the scholarship to I'll be in prison by the fall.

Prison dismeet?? Ok I'll be there!

 

[pigletto]

Prison dismeet?? Ok I'll be there!

LMAO.. Prismeet 2016. I'm in.

 

[Callie]

Sending you more hugs Gina!
It won't stop raining here in Indiana. Plus its been cold. Not fun! So what do I do? Get a dark spray tan and currently look like I was someone nice and warm. Gotta think positive.

You are a strong lady and will have a wonderful trip with your boys.

 

[RocketCityMama]

So I am just catching up on the latest updates and went from aww happy to aww so sad I can't even imagine how you are all feeling right now. I am sure there will be times of happiness and sadness on your trip but do try to focus on your family while you are visiting and have fun.

I send peace, love and prayers for emotional healing. <3 <3

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

You know for a guy who is quick to respond with a quip, words have escaped me reading through these last couple of days of posts. Please know my heart first fell, and thus unchained, then flew out to all of you.

Aw, thank you Munro. I am truly feeling all the love and support, and its been such a huge comfort to our heavy hearts. This is truly a wonderful and supportive community.

Oh Gina what a thing to happen. I am sending you all my good thoughts and best wishes as ever you have been extremely open and honest with everyone and no doubt we all feel your hurt and wish we could help and take away a little of the pain.

I haven't been around much, so just catching up. Sadly, my MIL pass away a couple of weeks ago so had a lot going on. As you know, life never goes as planned

Just to be clear....the "like" to this post was for your kind works and best wishes. Thank you so much for the warm thoughts, they mean alot.

My sincerest condolences to you, my friend, on the loss of your MIL. Those kinds of things really put life in perspective, including my problems. Big hugs to you and your entire family, may you be finding peace and comfort in your happy memories .

My heart is heavy for the news but I hope in some way you can feel the warmth that we are all sending along to you and your family!

Thank you patty. It must be all the love and concern sent our way, because I truly am feeling a little better about life this morning. Still not to the point of being "excited" about the trip again, but I'm working on it.

I think we are a pretty good bunch here! Nice folks, which is why we have a good time together in these threads. OK, well the others are nice....me, not so much

I do have the BEST posters.....who I consider friends.....on this thread . Ya'll are most than just "nice folks". Actually, this one sums it up quite nicely (especially where you are concerned ... the crazy part, that is ):

That's because you are the most awesome mother of the most awesome future son in law on the planet.

You're going to make me cry again.

I was actually thinking about a fall trip with lots of cocktails by the pool. Only problem is if Grumpy Cat wants to attend the summer intensive that she won the scholarship to I'll be in prison by the fall.

Prison?!? Should we start trying to guess what crime you might be planning to commit? That could be a fun diversion from all the sad posts lately.

Anyone want to throw out their best theory on why our dear dancin might end up behind bars? Ready.....GO!

Prison dismeet?? Ok I'll be there!

I'm totally in, too. This is one I simply could NOT miss .

LMAO.. Prismeet 2016. I'm in.

"Prismeet", LOL! You guys are the best.

Sending you more hugs Gina!
It won't stop raining here in Indiana. Plus its been cold. Not fun! So what do I do? Get a dark spray tan and currently look like I was someone nice and warm. Gotta think positive.

You are a strong lady and will have a wonderful trip with your boys.

Thank you Callie .

We are getting the cold rains here too. Snow yesterday, rain today, snow again tomorrow. It's almost the middle of April already, where on earth is spring?

I saw this several times on Facebook, and it truly made me laugh:

So I am just catching up on the latest updates and went from aww happy to aww so sad I can't even imagine how you are all feeling right now. I am sure there will be times of happiness and sadness on your trip but do try to focus on your family while you are visiting and have fun.

I send peace, love and prayers for emotional healing. <3 <3

Thank you, my friend. I appreciate the wonderful thoughts.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Prison dismeet?? Ok I'll be there!

LMAO.. Prismeet 2016. I'm in.

So sweet....now I know who my true friends are