About those Palm Tree pics you posted......

[Jan&MikeVa]

Thank you guys for the pics! I just wanted to let you know how much they meant to my niece.

Bear with me on this.........I posted this previously, that Susie is 41 and mentally handicapped. This vacation is really all about her and finally getting her to a pretty beach with palm trees. As a toddler, she took to the water like a fish and it has been one of the few things she has ever excelled at and enjoyed. But it's difficult to take Susie to a public pool or beach............she's loud, unihibited, and very friendly. But people stare, it's human nature, and it really bothers her (she knows she's different). It's always been tough on her parents too.

I knew STJ would be a PERFECT place for Susie, uncrowded beaches and our own pool. I've been working on the family for a couple of years to make this happen, and finally we're almost there. So for the last couple of weeks I've been sending her pics of the villa and pool and beaches. And of course the palm tree pics you guys posted for me. Well, today I received a letter from Susie thanking me for the pics and telling me how much she loved palm trees and beaches and her bedroom and her balcony. Here's the kicker, Susie has NEVER written me a letter. Susie NEVER writes, she gets frustrated printing her name on a greeting card. She has never written to her parents, her grandparents........no one. Her new counselor is awesome and I know she all but forced Susie to do it, it was touching beyond belief.

I need to get to STJ quickly, there is no salt water left in my body............I have shed buckets of tears tonight.

So thanks guys, you're the best!

Jan (akaCharlie)

[patr]

Jan, thanks so much for sharing Susie's story.

She is going to love St John and you're going to love sharing it with her.

God Bless

[cat]

That is so wonderful! I have always said that there are magical things about that island!

[California Girl]

Auntie Jan is the very best!

This will be an experience that Susie will talk about for the rest of her life. I hope you get a chance to drive down to the East End so she can see all the donkeys & goats, too!

[mbw1024]

that's so great for you and her. I hope you all enjoy. Glad we could help Susie pass the time until she gets there!

[Maggy]

It's going to be a wonderful vacation for her. She is lucky to have you as family.

Here is another palm picture and I wish you all a great time in STJ on the beaches:

[Jo Ann - VA]

How sweet!!!!

What a wonderful time all of you will have.

Be sure to take lots of pictures so she can relive the trip over and over!

[naturegirl]

That's awesome! I hope all of you have just an amazing, unforgettable time. Bring a camera, we want pictures.

[sea-nile]

That's great! She will have a great time and so will you. You are a wonderful person for taking her to STJ!

[Tracy in WI]

Awesome! Jan - I truly hope the only people staring at her on STJ are those amazed by her true joy at being there. You are a special aunt - have a great trip!

[waterguy]

You are a great Aunt I hope that you all have a great time

[augie]

I second what Tracy said!

[Ksea]

Jan,

My son is 14 and has Down Syndrome. He is MR but is very high functioning. I know all about the people "staring at them" thing and some adults wont even let their kids play with him. Like its contagious or something! Anyway, we are also looking forward to uncrowded beaches and our own pool. DJ loves talking about our upcoming trip and looking at pics of the villa and such. We have always taken DJ with us wherever we go and he is a joy to travel with.
Hope your vacation with Susie is awesome. Post some pics!

[ScottB]

Jan,

After meeting you & Mike, your generosity does not surprise me in the least. I wish more people in this world were 1/2 as caring & thoughtful....

Hope you & Mike are well....
-Scott

[Bug]

Auntie Jan IS the BEST. Please take lots of pics so that we can all cry for joy with you, as you watch your neice find her place. God bless your family.

XOXO
Bug