USVI-On-Line

I just wanted to thank all of you that have provided such great trip reports in the past few months, and also those of you who have provided laughter through your postings. My Father was diagnosed in January with lung, liver and bone cancer. He passed away last Thursday, which was a true blessing as it stopped his suffering. Most people would think I am crazy (well maybe partly true) but for some reason I think most of you would understand. I have found this forum along with On-stjohn and the webcams to be such a huge comfort. You have provided me with a place of comfort to which I could escape to when needing it. Reading the trip reports enabled me to be in a place that I love even if only for awhile. Thank you again for allowing me to be with you on your sailing trips, snorkeling, or just hanging out at the Quiet Mon or the Beach Bar. You will never know how you've helped me just by sharing your time in paradise.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I understand how an escape can help through difficult times. My Father died of cancer too, 15 years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Just think - without even knowing it, the trip report from your upcoming vacation (hint, hint!) can unknowingly do the same for someone else.

Sorry for your loss, but I'm glad that you are able to take comfort in the end of his suffering.

Barb, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Like you said, sometimes knowing they aren't in pain anymore is the best comfort we can have. Your family will be in my prayers. I'm glad you have found mental vacations through other trip reports. They are much needed!

We'll be on island at the same time in May. I'm counting down the days! Hope to see you around!

Nicolle

Barb, I'm sorry for your loss but I agree with you, at least his suffering has ceased and he can now be at peace. I'm glad that the forum could provide an escape for you at your time of need. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ali~

Blessings.

Cheers, RickG

I'm sorry for your loss this forum helpped me get through my wifes death from cancer 2 years ago so I know where you are coming from.
Tom

Barb -

My thoughts are with you as you remember your Dad and his healthy days. I know how you feel about the mental break one can get from this forum. I use it for the same reason. I hope your upcoming trip provides you with peace in this difficult time.

Tracy

I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you too.
I posted when our good friend died 3 weeks ago. The response here was great and I found comfort in coming here and posting it also. We have a great group of people here. I would never have even thought of posting it elsewhere.
Losing a parent has to be hard.

There is great comfort in catharsis whether it is getting past a loss like yours or just getting over the WOW at the end of a great trip. Trip reports have a theraputic value. Soon you will be able to remember his life much more than his death. It happened with my father 4 1/2 years ago.

It sounds like a lot of us will be on STJ at about the same time. We arrive Sunday 5/25 and return the next Sunday 6/1. We are getting in (if the airline gods are with us) in time to make the Beach Bar that afternoon. We should get together some time that week for supper or a snorkle trip or something if you are on the same week.

JIM

Barb, I understand completely. I lost my mom 3 1/2 years ago to pancreatic cancer. I received word of the diagnosis (and the fact that it was terminal) when we were on STJ in July of '04. I found comfort in exactly the same way you have. There really is something to be said for being able to put yourself in another time and place for awhile, and there's nothing like a trip report with some beautiful pictures to help get you there.

Thoughts and prayers,
--Chris

I am so sorry to hear about your father, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Last year we were on the “Cancer Rollercoaster” and like you – the forum was a great escape. For a brief moment, you can slip away to St. John through the reports, pictures and tales of our “Forum Family”. The folks on this forum are truly great people. Take comfort that your dad is in a better place. God Bless

Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers and support. As I said in my first entry I truly felt that so many of you would understand what many others would not. This forum and the people on it are amazing and I am so grateful for having found it. Thanks again!

I do plan on be at the Beach Bar on May 25th and look forward to meeting up with the forum family members that will be there.

Barb....my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. Thank God we have memories....remembering the wonderful moments together.
God bless you!