This is how much I love this place (I'm back)

[Rbaron721]

Hello everyone,

I haven't posted anything since March because I've been going through a divorce and I'm just now surfacing and getting back into the things I love in life. My wife and I had our honeymoon on St. John 3 years ago and we've been back 3 times since then, usually taking family and friends with us to enjoy this magical place that is St. John. The divorce was shocking and unexpected and literally devastated me. I am now learning to live the single life. (It's not that bad, actually) I had so much planned for St. John- trips, trying to save Maho Bay campgrounds, etc. But I'm back, and I'm coming back to St. John. How could I return to my honeymoon spot after all this? Because that's how much I love St. John. I know it will be difficult the first time I come back when I look across Hawksnest over to Gibney and when I walk through Starfish and sit down with Herman or when I throw my first Bocce ball at the Beach Bar, but I'm going to brave through it because...this is how much I love St. John. I wan't to bring my new family here one day and watch my kids swim in the clear water and teach them to appreciate this place.

My mother loves St. John as well and she deserves a vacation. So I plan on bringing her along with whomever else I bring this time. My soul needs this place at least once a year. To all who believe in a higher power, I ask that you pray for me to have a good trip.

Thanks for reading my long post.

Russ

[MSGARMYGIRL]

RUSS,
It sounds like you love this place very much, No worry GOD will bless you, and I am very sure you will probably have the best time of your life on STJ this time around.

Theresa

[LMG]

That's the greatest thing about the place, Russ, it allows for every phase of life.

All the best to you.

[mahojim]

Russ,
I too visited STJ for the first time on my honeymoon with my ( now ex)wife in 2001.
Since then, I've returned 8 times, and I gotta say,- good for you.
I've been there with different friends & love interests, and my adoration for the place does nothing but grow.
As you're probably well aware, time will take care of your wounds, but a trip to STJ can also help in healing!
There's so much that I want to say about it all, having (sort of) been through what you're now dealing with, but in short, it sounds like you need no advice as your heart has helped make up your mind in the best way.
I'll be down there in November; if you're on island, let's get together!
Other than that, again,-
Good for you.
Divorce, as well as STJ can be quite liberating.
Smiles-
MJ

[chicagoans]

Russ, I'm so sorry about the tough time you're going through, and I'm glad you're going back to the place that soothes your soul.

I'm having a rough coupla weeks and I'm finding solace in the book "Eat, Pray, Love." It might be kind of a chick book but the author has some nice insights for any reader. (Is that too much of a girl thing, to post about that book?)

Prayers and best wishes to you.

[Rbaron721]

Thank you all for your kind words. MahoJim, Theresa, Chicagoans, LMG. I will take your suggestions to heart. If any of you do Facebook, feel free to friend request me. My name is Russ Smith and I'm in the Dallas Forth Worth network.

Again, thank you all.

So there are good people left.

[Lex]

We've loved our trips to STJ. But I did go there once in the middle of what I really hope was the worst period of my life. It seemed the only place that I could possibly stand to be alive. The island held the pain and began a healing. I didn't forget my troubles. Some wounds are too severe to be able to be put aside even for a little while. On that trip I thought about the slavery days more than I had before or since. I got restored to an extent and it seemed that I might want to go on, hard as I still knew it would be.

Not everybody's there for the party.

[lprof]

Lex...I felt your pain in your words; I am glad that your spirit endured.

Russ...I am sorry for your pain and hoping that your spirit will be renewed on STJ as well...much good luck to you.

[Berlingirl]

Hi Russ...

Sounds like you have had a round of bad luck, your not alone in this world. Kinda just like Kenny Chesney...however, he's put his pain into his music and STJ is a healing place for his personal pain as it will be for yours. You'll find that the old saying that "it all gets better in time" to be true! Doesn't mean that you'll forget, Russ, it just means it'll all get better as time passes on!

Nice to meet another STJ friend!

Glad all is better than it was Lex!!!

[cptnkirk]

Good for you on returning. Let those turqouise waters soothe your soul.

[Tracy in WI]

Russ -

Welcome back. I, too, have had some challenges in life that I tried to escape by heading to my favorite place on earth. And although some of them remain, I can say that St. John remains as well. It is a little sanctuary that will always be there for us no matter what. Enjoy your trip and I look forward to meeting you and your future family there one day. Happy planning!

(And Lex, I, too, and happy that you found some solace and peace on St. John - it wouldn't be the same here without you.)

[Nic in KC]

Russ,

Prayers will be said that you are able to have an amazing trip with some healing to be had in the sanctuary of St. John. We booked our trip this summer because we needed to get some of the St. John vibe and healing in our lives. It's a great place to go when you are just around for the party, but sometimes you need a trip for the peace and comfort it can bring too.

I wish you all the best!!
Nicolle

[Agent99]

Hey Russ....wishing you the very best as you begin a fresh new chapter in your life. Taking your mom is a really nice thing to do. Have a great trip!

[Barb Y]

Best of luck. I hope STJ brings you all that you need. It is a magical place. Enjoy!

[VaGirl]

Glad you're coming back, Russ. This place has a magic to it...it can calm, it can heal, it can make you feel whole again.