Thanks for the memories!

[rickechambers1@aol.com]

Last January, Mom took me on a cruise for my 40th birthday. We both new that this would probably be our last vacation together due her having cancer. I cherish every moment that we spent together laughing, eating, drinking, watching movies in our room when she was too ill to leave. The last photo I have of her was of us eating at Pinnacle...I carry it in my wallet and show anyone who will look...although she was down to 105 pounds, always bragging about my beautiful Mom. Thank you Hal for the great memories provided...a priceless experience that, although hard at times, makes me smile...10 months later.

 

On my next HAL cruise, I'll raise a glass of champagne to my Angel.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Sorry to hear that your mother passed away.

But very glad that you have a lot of wonderful memories and a picture you will always treasure.

My condulences to you.

[IRL_Joanie]

Last January, Mom took me on a cruise for my 40th birthday. We both new that this would probably be our last vacation together due her having cancer. I cherish every moment that we spent together laughing, eating, drinking, watching movies in our room when she was too ill to leave. The last photo I have of her was of us eating at Pinnacle...I carry it in my wallet and show anyone who will look...although she was down to 105 pounds, always bragging about my beautiful Mom. Thank you Hal for the great memories provided...a priceless experience that, although hard at times, makes me smile...10 months later.

 

On my next HAL cruise, I'll raise a glass of champagne to my Angel.

 

My heart is breaking from just reading your post. I realize the implication of it and am just happy that you and your mom were able to have that special happy time together.

 

God Bless you and your family.

 

I will raise a glass to you both on every one of our cruises:)

 

Joanie

[SwissMyst]

Last January, Mom took me on a cruise for my 40th birthday. We both new that this would probably be our last vacation together due her having cancer. I cherish every moment that we spent together laughing, eating, drinking, watching movies in our room when she was too ill to leave. The last photo I have of her was of us eating at Pinnacle...I carry it in my wallet and show anyone who will look...although she was down to 105 pounds, always bragging about my beautiful Mom. Thank you Hal for the great memories provided...a priceless experience that, although hard at times, makes me smile...10 months later.

 

On my next HAL cruise, I'll raise a glass of champagne to my Angel.

 

What a wonderful and touching story. Add my virtual glass of champagne to your next toast and help me wipe the tears out of my eyes reading your touching tribute. Thank you for sharing that story. I think it will be in all our hearts. And we are glad it was a HAL ship that earned this deep personal honor.

[bcd2010]

I, too, am touched, especially since I am cruising next year with my 40-year-old sons. My health is good and we can look forward to more vacations together, but one of the reasons I do this is so they can have good memories. You have helped me believe this more confidently. I am sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts.

[pictonite]

Thanks, Rick, for the wonderful memory of your Mom. I have the same memories of my Mom - the world cruiser supreme! Pictures of her in her wheelchair, being escorted by the Yum Yum Man, of her in various ports. We had a picture of her in full evening dress on her memorial card. When the funeral home made up the video of her life, the technician said he wanted to add Calypso music because she seemed to be always on vacation! She helped to make our cruises with her so very special - always involved and interested, even though confined to a wheelchair. We had a cruise booked for her 86th. birthday, but she passed away two months before we were set to sail. You will always remember those special moments. Kudos to you for making your Mom's last vacation with you so very memorable!

[Susie51]

Thank you for sharing. I'm glad you cruised even though your mom was so ill.

[MSMcDuffy]

I'm also very touched by your post (getting a little teary-eyed here). My sincere condolences on the loss of your mom. Glad to hear you were able to have a wonderful time together and create some cherished memories!

 

My past few cruises have been with my mom, who is getting along in years. Your post reaffirms the need to spend as much time with our loved ones as possible to build these lasting memories.

[rickechambers1@aol.com]

I'm also very touched by your post (getting a little teary-eyed here). My sincere condolences on the loss of your mom. Glad to hear you were able to have a wonderful time together and create some cherished memories!

 

My past few cruises have been with my mom, who is getting along in years. Your post reaffirms the need to spend as much time with our loved ones as possible to build these lasting memories.

 

Amen to that...my Mom was 64 years old...my best friend...I took care of her until the end and it was a privilege to do so.

 

Thanks for all the well wishes. It's tough...especially with the upcoming Holidays, but I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to take advantage of having time with her for a few months before she passed away; so many don't have that opportunity.

 

HAL treated her with kid gloves, dignity, and respect, despite her wheelchair needs, oxygen machine(s), and a carry-on bag full of medicine. I feel terrible that I complained about my Mom's lamb chops being overcooked one night. She didn't care but I thought she should have everything for the rest of her life to be perfect. In hindsight, I shouldn't have cared either...life takes on a new perspective when you lose a great love. I should have just ordered another bottle of wine and the lamb would have quickly been forgotten. ;)

 

Thanks again everyone. Live life to the fullest...and don't sweat the small stuff. Happy cruising.

[the2ofus]

Your story touched me deeply. Those precious memories may hurt a lot in this first year, but they are, and will increasingly be, a source of smiles and comfort as well. Thank you for sharing with us.

 

When my DH was diagnosed with cancer we stopped fretting about small stuff and stopped worrying about the what-ifs. We set about building a treasury of memories. I am so grateful that we looked at it as a gift, not as a burden. Now, every cruise is a chance to re-live those happy times. I know his spirit is with me.

[bet410]

What a touching story! How wonderful that you and your mom were able to spend time and make very special memories before her passing! My sincere condolences.

[KirkNC]

Sorry for your lose but glad to hear you have some great memories to cherish.

 

Kirk

[Tak8]

I'm glad you have some wonderful memories. Hopefully you will be back on a ship soon to raise the glass.