Farewell my CC friends, from chesterh

Cruising as a newbie and writing about my experiences here on CC (2002 - 2006?) was truly the most fun I ever had. I made so many hundreds of friends here, I still consider it my home - even though my cruising days are over.

There’s no sense dancing around the plain facts. I am a fertile breeding ground for cancer. It’s growing in my body like Kudzu grows in Georgia. Yes, I’ll battle for control, but the outcome is certain – and it will probably be swift.

As with other major events in my lifetime, I’m inclined to write about my experience. My mother (remember the still incomplete "Cruising with the Mothers" tale?) even suggested outright that I do so:

“... Surely it has occurred to you that you should write about this. Maybe it would give you a diversion. (On the other hand, maybe enough is enough.) But you write so well and observe what others don't always see. I'll bet you could explain what is happening better than the average dear soul who never expected to get clobbered with cancer…”

I would like to celebrate the time that’s left by remembering the past and considering the future with my friends. I can already tell that it won’t be easy as my faculties are compromised, but one must make the best of a given situation. Perhaps I can manage to share some useful tips along the way. I dearly want to do whatever I can to ease the transition for the love of my life, Kris, and hope that those who can help will do what they can.

I don't know how many of my CC friends are still lurking here, but I did want to let those who remain know I have one more story to tell. In any case, I will probably do most of my writing on my own website (chesterh.com), so you can check there occasionally if you like.

No matter what, I do want to say, “Thank you,” to all who have been with me along the road or on the seas. It’s been a good ride.

With Love,

"Chesterh"

God love you. You will be in the prayers of many people on Cruise Critic.

I appreciate your spirit. Don't let that awful disease win in a walk over. Fight as long and as hard as you can.

God bless! :) :)

May God Bless You.

You are in my prayers Chesterh! I've never laughed as hard as when I read your reviews and book. May the angels keep your sense of humor in mind and ease your way during this journey.

God bless you. You are in all of our thoughts.

Oh ChesterH

My thoughts are with you. Hopefully you have your family around............with of course your memories.

As someone in remission, I can empathise somewhat........it's the sword of damocles.....you never know where or when it's going to fall..............

God be with you

xx

The cruise to heaven is the one we will all take sooner or later. I'm so sorry it is sooner for you. I wish you calm seas on your journey.

God Bless you.

You (and your entire family) will be in my prayers.

Chesterh, you are in my prayers.

Over the years I have enjoyed reading your tales of cruising and your insights on life. Thank you for all your wonderful writings.

Karyn

All of us will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

So sorry to hear. Classy summary message by our New Hampshire friend, plus so many nice comments and thoughts from others here in this Cruise Critic community. God Bless You!!

Took a look at your http://www.chesterh.com. Nice and interesting!! Cute book that you did. Great writing skills. Good luck!!

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Back from doing a 14-day Celebrity Solstice, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure on this ship and getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for much more information and lots of wonderful pictures on these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 71,790 views for this fun posting.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

I have so enjoyed your writings and reflections over the years.

Your reviews were always "the best"! :)

T&P to you and your family in the days ahead!

Fair winds and following seas

Best wishes and thanks...

We have never met and after reading some of your posts I see that was my loss. You are quite talented. Be well my friend, be well.

As long as you are here, may you spend your time doing all that you love, with those you love.

When it's time to board your final voyage, may it be with peace and serenity.

God Bless You.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for all the smiles you gave me in your reviews and your book.

Carol

You are in my thoughts and prayers. As a survivor, I hope to read on here, one day soon, that you are a survivor too.

Good luck with your battle.

My wife had cancer 10 years ago, 2 operations and further treatment followed. The after effects had a huge effect her health and on our plans for retirement, mainly as she is not allowed to fly.

She fought hard and was determined to beat it, so she is still around to keep me in order! We don't cruise so much now, and have spent the money on our garden instead, which she really enjoys.

Best wishes for the future.

The Midnight buffet is at any hour you would like it to be! You've brought so much happiness to all of us here, and our thoughts are with you now as you fight the big battle.

Enjoy every minute of every day with those you love, and know that you are very special to many, many people -- including all of your friends here at CC.

Oh the posting fun we had back then! You were always one of the calming voices when folks would get all rilled up about 'much to do about nothing':D No need to pack, a new suit awaits, and a cabin on a ship that never sails on rough seas.

God Bless You and your family. I do hope that you have access to a cancer support group. They provide support to survivors and their caregivers in trying times like this.