My Life as a Solo Cruiser

[karen1225]

I know this is out of the NORM, but I wanted to express myself a little tonight. I just got off my virgin cruise (solo) and experienced a loss in my family this weekend. Instead of crying all night, I decided to post a quick poem. I do not expect any responses....I just needed an outlet.

 

There was a time,

Not long ago,

When everything seemed,

So dark, lonely and cold.

 

No one to run to,

No one to care,

No one to cry to

When I felt scared.

 

Emotions run rampant,

Feelings amok,

What can I do

To make sense of my luck.

 

Sure it is life,

It's ups and downs,

But after all this work,

I should be doning a crown.

 

I am sure that there is a reason,

Yet, to me it is not revealed,

Until that magical moment,

It was totally concealed.

 

I deserve a vacation,

Once in a lifetime it will be,

Totally alone

Me, the sun, and the sea.

 

Months of research and planning,

To find the perfect piece of paradise,

Months of hope and promise,

To regain a piece of my life.

 

Alone and with myself,

A place I have longed to be,

Is it strange for a person,

To want to believe?

 

Her name was Glory,

Her nature was pure,

I am sure that she knows

That what she gave me was secure.

 

With her I traveled,

Along the Caribbean Sea,

With her I traveled,

To find what used to be me.

 

On this day,

Of Hope and Rememberance,

I want all to know,

That I hold her in my heart with reverence.

 

There was a time,

Not long ago,

When things seemed

So dark, lonely, and cold.

 

I am so grateful,

I am so sincere,

That those times are gone,

And I am void of fear.

[cruisldy]

A very touching poem. Sorry for the loss of your family member.

[kiffrig]

Karen1225-

 

Beautiful poem and I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

 

 

A fellow Karin 12-25'er. :)

[karen1225]

Both of you,

 

for your replies.

 

It has been a sad, but ironically grateful weekend.

 

I found my grandmother (age 96) asleep in her bed....passed away.

 

As you can imagine, I was overwhelmed with emotions. Here and I were so close. She called me every morning at 10:00 am.

 

After contemplation, I realized I was actually grateful to be the first to say Good-bye to her.....WHAT AN HONOR.

 

Anyway, I am going to try to celebrate her life and have pride in what she instilled in me.

 

Thanks again for your support.

[Shadieeie]

Sorry about your loss Karen, what a beautiful poem and what a great attitude you have.

 

I did enjoy reading your review of the Glory, I am glad you were able to go and enjoy yourself.

 

Good Luck!

[TravlGrl]

Karen, I am terribly sorry for your loss and have sincere empathy for you. You are in my thoughts.

[karen1225]

Karen, I am terribly sorry for your loss and have sincere empathy for you. You are in my thoughts.

 

Thanks Tara,

 

I know you have been active on my review of the Glory and I again apologize for not completing it in a timely manner, but I am sure you understand.

 

I have a ton of emotions running through me....but not the kind that would do my review justice.

 

I appreciate all the kind words and I can actually feel all of the hugs coming my way.

[shawilson]

Wow Karen, touching poem. You are so lucky to have had your Grandma in your life for so long. Rejoice in that.

 

Wishing you many happy sailings. Our dear friend Lois R (here on Cruise Critic, Celebrity boards, mostly) posts that she has a total blast as a single cruiser. She is a totally upbeat person, so you may wish to check out her posts. Just a thought.

 

Best wishes to you. Cruises can be very healing.

 

Sharon

[PACURN]

Karen, I'm sitting here with tears running down my face, What a lovely poem. I am sorry your Grandma has passed, but as someone else said, you were lucky to have had her for so long. Both my grandmas and grandpas are long gone. God be with you my freind.

[jpmaximus]

Your strength is an inspiration. My thoughts are with you! Thank you for the lovely poem.

[racyguy14619]

Karen:

 

What a wonderful poem. I'm so sorry for your loss, but I am rejoicing in the fact that you got to say goodbye first to your grandmother and that you got such comfort from your cruise. I am looking forward to my October cruise -- finding the joys of solo cruising and celebrating the anniversary of my wife's departure.

 

Last summer my wife had some minor trouble breathing, looked at me and said, "I just can't do this anymore.", and in seconds was gone. I had the honor of doing CPR until Fire and EMS arrived and making an attempt to save her life. She had a rough life in the last year or two, so I am constantly comforted to know that she is in a far better place now and feeling no pain. :rolleyes:

[rogue bkpkr]

Hi Karen:

 

I just read your review and felt a need to post.

 

If I may correct you, I don't think this is "THE END" but I think it is just the beginning.

 

I wish you the best of luck.

 

My prayers are with you.

 

God bless.

 

Matt