Category Archives: Holiday

Oct19

Cannot be taken from you

Posted on October 19, 2015 by MeRaw

Monday 19th October

“In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.”

And some of those infinitely precious things are the memories that we have of you.

I came across this photograph the other day of you and your brother, along with myself and my mum. You were five or six years old then.
We were on our Christmas holiday in New South Wales, Australia, and had driven to Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park.

Pebbly Beach, NSW

We had read about this beach in guidebooks, but wanted to see if was true that kangaroos actually lived there on the sands. (Some say that the kangaroos supposedly go surfing, but I think that is taking things a little too far.)

I remember driving down a steep and narrow, winding, bumpy track, eventually parking the car and walking over the grass towards the beach.

And yes, we did see a large group of kangaroos, and some were very tame, allowing themselves to be petted and fed apples.
You and your brother thought this was quite magical, seeing these animals in their natural habitat, and not just on the television or in a zoo. You were not afraid, and did touch the fur of one of these marvellous creatures.

From then on, one of your favourite story books became ‘Dot and the Kangaroo’, written in 1899 by Ethel C Pedley. You loved the whole series, and collected not just the books, but the toys and videos too. (The books are still upstairs in your bedroom.)

So, sweet dreams my Angel, as you play in the outback with Dot and the Kangaroo.

Miss you.
Love you.
xxxx

Sep5

Sailing 2001

Posted on September 5, 2015 by MeRaw

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Saturday 5th September

In the summer of 2001 we flew into Charlotte Amalie airport on the US Virgin Island of St Thomas, to meet up with my father. He had decided that we should join him for three weeks of sailing around the British Virgin Isles. His 42′ Beneteau was comfortable, and had enough room for the five of us (Dad and I, you and your brother, and my father).

Our first few days were spent at Jost Van Dyke, with incredible sugar-white sand and welcoming beach bars. One afternoon a flotilla of charter yachts arrived, and on-board one of these was quite an incompetent crew; thinking they had secured the anchor, they went down below. A few moments later, their yacht was headed on a collision course with ours. Lots of shouting, quick thinking and use of a spinnaker pole and fenders, soon had the situation under control, with the wannabe sailors looking very red-faced indeed.

A few days later, there was another incident from the same group of sailors. We were relaxing in the stern of our yacht, when a tender casually floats our way, unmanned. My father caught it and tied it up to his yacht. It was quite some while before the flotilla skipper came round, thanked us for looking after it, and then returned the dinghy to the hapless crew.

From Jost Van Dyke we sailed over to Soper’s Hole on Tortola, and then to Road Town. The buildings, the people, the food, the music were all so incredibly colourful and full of fun and energy. In the Pusser’s Rum store you were fascinated by the large stuffed tiger.

Frank and tiger. Pusser's Rum. Tortola.

We anchored off Norman Island for a few nights, with marvellous caves for snorkelling and swimming. Just around from the caves, in a wonderful bay, was the terrific Billy Bones Beach Bar. We managed to secure a mooring and took the tender ashore to have some food and drink. As a welcome, we were all given rum punches. I think you grabbed three or four from the tray, before anyone noticed. I remember you did enjoy them. Our waitress was called Candy, and I think she took a real shine to you.

Frank and Candy. Billy Bones Beach Bar

Next to Norman Island is Peter Island, with the most magnificent stretch of white sandy beach. Having anchored the boat, we all jumped overboard, and swam for the shore, playing about in the surf.

Our next stop was to be Marina Cay, and we arrived here in a sudden squall of heavy rain, obliterating all sight of land, but we managed to anchor safely, and the skies soon cleared. One afternoon we climbed to the top of this island where you found a library full of interesting books, (I think it was a room in the original house owned by Robb and Rodie White, who had bought the property in the 1930’s. He wrote the book, ‘Two on the Isle’.)

After Marina Cay, we headed over to Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda, and stayed in an actual marina for a few days, hooking up to air conditioning was an absolute luxury. One of our memorable days out from here, was to the Baths. Huge granite boulders cluster together to form grottos and spectacular pools. We clambered over the smooth surfaces, grappling with rope ladders, to reach the amazing Devil’s Bay. The snorkelling was superb. You and your brother enjoyed jumping and diving off the rocks.

At the Bitter End Yacht Club, where we anchored for almost a week, your brother had windsurfing lessons, and you splashed about in the club’s swimming pool. We wandered around the beaches, the clubhouse, and marvelled at the super-yachts alongside the dock. A calm and peaceful place to chill out and truly relax.

On our way to this last anchorage, we were sailing quite a way out from the shore, and my father rigged up some fishing lines from the back of the yacht. Miraculously, or so I thought, we caught our dinner. A good sized tuna. Your brother managed to jump across, into the tender, which we were towing, and unwrap the line that had caught around the propeller. You had to show off your strength, and picked the fish up by its tail. My father gutted it, and we had a barbecue that night of freshly caught ocean tuna. Absolutely perfect.

This really was an awesome holiday. If it became too busy anywhere, we’d pull the anchor up, and sail to somewhere quieter. Both you and your brother enjoyed the swimming, snorkelling, sailing, watching shooting stars, fishing, beachcombing, windsurfing, and wakeboarding (my father had bought a wakeboard to tow behind the tender. It certainly was great fun.)

A lifetime ago.
But such precious memories of you, and the incredible times you experienced.

Love you, my happy Angel.
Sailing sunny shores with your grandfather now, I’d like to think.

Missing you like crazy xxxx

Aug26

Harbour Town

Posted on August 26, 2015 by MeRaw

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Wednesday 26th August

We have been visiting Hilton Head Island for a number years. It became a stopping off point for our return journey from Florida back to the top of South Carolina, and we fell in love with the place.

We used to stay on South Forest Beach at a wonderful resort, with a pool and huge stretches of white sands.

We loved to explore as well, and always drove out to Harbour Town to find somewhere new to eat, to marvel at the boats, to eat ice cream, and to climb to the top of the lighthouse.
(These pictures are from two years ago this week.)

Lighthouse and open air theatre

View from the top of the lighthouse

You and Dad at the top of the lighthouse

View from the top of the lighthouse

But, close by to where we parked the car, there was a terrific tree swing. Well, more like a swinging bench. You loved it. The gentle rocking motion, in the shade of the enormous tree.

You and Dad on the swing

You. Reading. Relaxing.

Happy times.
Family fun.
Simple things.
Harbour Town swing.

Harbour Town rocking chairs

We are going to so miss those happy, care free times on holiday with you.

Love you, my happy little Angel.
xxxx

Aug19

Standing in the rain

Posted on August 19, 2015 by MeRaw

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Wednesday 19th August

Summer rain.
Here in Cornwall it’s grey, misty, muggy and damp. Very damp this morning. Big, wet droplets are shaken from the branches of the trees and seem to hit the back of your neck, or your nose, on purpose. The grass in the cemetery is slippery underfoot. But it’s quiet and peaceful as we stand close by and talk to you.

Summers past we would be in Hilton Head Island right about now, walking along the beach early, avoiding the heat of the day. The brightest blue sky a wonderful backdrop to the sugar white sands and the greenest palm tree fronds.

Yes, it would sometimes rain, but it wouldn’t last long, and it would still be warm. You loved the swimming pool and the fountains just a little way back from the beach.

The Beach House HHI August 2014

The fountains at Coligny Beach

We miss you today, so much, as we stood in the rain, reflecting, reminiscing, remembering.
Times past.
Times passed.
Such good times we had.

Rain or shine,
We think of you,
All of the time.

Love you so very much.
Missing you so very much.
xxxx

Aug17

The first summer without you

Posted on August 17, 2015 by MeRaw

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Monday 17th August

So, so many reminders of what we would normally be doing……….
All the people in the town, on their seaside summer holiday.
Filling up the beaches, traffic jams, queues in the shops.
Happy families playing on the sand and in the water.
Blue skies, endless sunshine, cold drinks, and ice cream.
Laughter, fun, chatter, screams, cries, waves and smiles.

We shouldn’t be here.
We should be on our summer vacation with you.
Somewhere in America.
Having fun. Laughing. Traveling. Swimming. Shopping. Playing. Smiling. Taking photographs.
Making memories.

But we can’t make any more memories.
Not with you.
Ever.
The memories we made are all we have.
There are no more to be made.

And that makes me sad.

Sweet precious Angel.
xxxx

The sky above your resting place this afternoon. A small rainbow is in the centre. A tiny angel cloud is towards the bottom right.

Aug14

Anniversary

Posted on August 14, 2015 by MeRaw

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Friday 14th August

Today is our Thirty Third Wedding Anniversary.
‘Happy anniversary’?
No.
Just
‘An’ anniversary.

Today brings all sorts of memories and reminders of happier times.

When you were born in 1985, and then your brother in 1987, we spent a few summer holidays in Cornwall, staying with my mother.

Since returning from Australia in 1992, we have not been in our home town to celebrate our anniversary.
We have been incredibly lucky to travel abroad during the school summer holidays. Firstly to the island of Paxos, then Bermuda, Tobago (twice), and then the Virgin Islands. In between, and since then, we spent eighteen years travelling to South Carolina, Georgia and Florida; up to five weeks of exploring the East coast, from Little River to Key West.

We always had such fun together. In the beginning we would join my father on his yacht and become boat gypsies, exploring coves and snorkelling in deserted bays.

When your brother turned seventeen, he decided it wasn’t cool to go on holiday with mum and dad, so it was just the three of us. We would still join my father, but mostly stay in a marina, only going out occasionally on day sails.

Since my father passed away in 2009, we continued to start our vacation in North Myrtle Beach, staying for a while, and then driving south.

For the last few years, our wedding anniversary has been spent in Florida; either at a theme park ~ Busch Gardens, Aquatica, Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios, or down in the Keys, relaxing at the Islander, or having fun in Key West.

Universal Studios 14 August 2013

Of course, you much preferred the theme parks and shopping of Orlando. Each year you would check out the new rides beforehand, and have an itinerary planned.

Universal Studios 14th August 2013

Such simple, loving family fun. You allowed us to have many, many years of happiness and pleasure. You were like a very young teenager for all those years, someone who never grew up, who never grew tired of the excitement that was to be found in Florida.

Universal Studios 14th August 2013

This year, for the first time in thirty years, you are not here.
So we haven’t really ‘celebrated’ our anniversary.
We have thought about you constantly, and all the different places we have been on this day.
It has just been ‘an’ anniversary.

When we went to visit your graveside this afternoon, there was the most beautiful peacock butterfly that flew over to your flowers, and remained there for quite some time.
I would very much like to believe that was a sign from you, that you wanted to be part of our wedding anniversary. Ever close by. In our hearts.

We do miss you more than words can say.
More, each and every day.
Love you to the moon and back.
Sending butterfly kisses.
My Angel.
xxxx

Aug1

August

Posted on August 1, 2015 by MeRaw

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Saturday 1st August

August, and we’d normally be somewhere between South Carolina and Florida by now. Or in earlier years, sailing around Tobago, Bermuda or the Virgin Islands. For the last twenty years we have been somewhere other than here at home.

You so looked forward to our summer vacations, at first with your brother, and then for the last ten years or so, with just Dad and me.

Here you are, on August 1st, three years ago in Myrtle Beach. Just chillin’ by the fountain at Market Commons ~ it was a hot afternoon.

We are having a hard time adjusting to the reality that our holidays from now on, are going to be without you. All our planning and consideration was done with you in mind. With Asperger’s you did like your routine, you didn’t really enjoy noisy, crowded places, and always wanted to know what the plan or itinerary entailed. “What are we doing today?”, “Where are we going tomorrow?”, “It’s twelve thirty, I need my lunch!”, “When we get to Orlando, where shall we go first of all?”, “It’s nine thirty I need my beauty sleep”……

We used to arrive at the theme parks about half an hour before opening, to park, to queue through the bag-checks, and then you’d make your own way to your favourite rides, to try and beat the long lines of waiting people. You had so much fun, and it was a joy to see your face as you came out of the ride’s exit with the biggest grin. By midday it was great to sit somewhere in air-conditioned comfort, have a bite to eat and a cold drink. Then, if you wanted, you’d do another round of the park, picking and choosing where to go next. If the place became too crowded, we’d leave and perhaps drive to have a meander around a cool shopping mall, then back to our villa for dinner, bath and bed.

Simple, family life. No worries, no hassles, no problems. Just fun, relaxation, laughter and love.

We’re sure going to miss those times with you.

Now you’re on your heavenly vacation, my little starman.
Love you sweet Angel xxxx

Jul14

Summer rain

Posted on July 14, 2015 by MeRaw

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Tuesday 14th July

Here we are, half way through July, and it’s grey, misty and wet again. Not that it should bother me too much now, as I can’t really stay out in the sun like I used to. Having melanoma makes you think twice, cover up more, use high factor sunscreen, and wince when you see sunburnt holidaymakers. But it would be pleasant if it was a little warmer and acted a bit more like summer.

You wouldn’t have minded though, on with the raincoat, hood up, and off you’d go, traipsing around the town. When you came back home, you’d strip off, leaving your wet clothes in a pile on the floor, and go and put your dressing gown on. If you then decided to go out again, you’d go and find another set of dry clothes. You really did fill up the laundry basket quickly!

When we were on holiday, we used to have torrential downpours in South Carolina and Florida. But it was warm rain, and you knew it wouldn’t last all day. You used to like the thunderstorms too, watching the lightning from the safety of the hotel room or balcony, and listening to the cracks of thunder overhead. You certainly weren’t scared.

The only time you didn’t like the rain was when it stopped the rides at the theme parks: then it was a real nuisance. You’d probably go and find an indoor show or movie, and wait for the storm to pass.

We’ve been through a few hurricanes as well, whilst on my father’s yacht. The first ever time we all sailed with him, around Bermuda, the island was hit, and we had to tie up alongside, in Riddles Bay. I remember it being very noisy, with the wind howling and the rigging rattling, whilst we all huddled below decks, but you were safe with us and not frightened at all.

A number of hurricanes have come ashore over the years whilst we’ve been in South Carolina too, but we took everything in our stride. Rain, winds and floods wouldn’t spoil our holidays. One year the prolonged downpours brought an alligator into the marina, and you were fascinated by the creature. My father took us once to his favourite golf course, where one could always be seen very close to the fairway, where it lived in one of the lakes. And talking about alligators: one year when we were staying on Hilton Head Island, a six foot alligator found its way into the hotel pool. Critter management was called to remove and return it to its own habitat. You found that quite funny!

When we come to visit you this morning it is drizzling, not like a normal summer’s day at all. The sky is overcast, there are no vapour trails of planes taking people off on their vacations, and rain drips down from the branches of trees. But it’s not cold, quite muggy in fact, and a little steamy.

You’d be quite excited by now, with your summer holiday imminent. You’d be walking around with the itinerary I would have printed out. A week and a half, and we’d be on our way to another American adventure. But not this year. We just can’t go without you. Things are too raw at the moment. I know you’re with us, in our hearts, and you always will be, but we cannot make the trip this year.

Have fun in the theme park of angels, my darling son.
Laugh, run around, and enjoy yourself.
We think of you so much.
And we miss you more than words can say.

xxxx

May30

Remembering ~ Good times #4

Posted on May 30, 2015 by MeRaw

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Saturday 30th May

December 2006 was our first visit to the Keys. My father had sailed down from South Carolina, and was spending the winter in Boot Key on Marathon, living aboard his 42 foot yacht. We didn’t need too much persuasion to join him. We had spent a couple of Christmas holidays in Orlando, with all the family, prior to this trip, enjoying the over-the-top Mickey Mouse world of theme parks, shopping and food. Given the option of the Florida Keys was something we couldn’t turn down. We all love travelling, and visiting such a beautiful place was a perfect choice.

We landed in Miami a couple of days after Christmas, picked up the hire car, then began the drive south, first on the mainland, then across the numerous bridges linking the Keys. A spectacular drive with the Atlantic ocean on our left, and the Gulf of Mexico on our right. The temperature was in the eighties, the herons and pelicans flew overhead and countless watercraft were making their way across the sparkling, azure water.

Just before we reached Marathon we stopped for a break at the Worldwide Sportsman on Islamorada, to stretch our legs, and to have a bite to eat in the Islamorada Fish Company restaurant. What a fabulous setting. Tarpon and nurse sharks swam by as we sat taking in the amazing views.

It was almost dark when we arrived at Boot Key Marina, and both my father and my cousin came to meet us in tenders, to transport us, and our luggage onto the yacht. I really don’t know how they navigated through the buoys and sandbanks in the dark, but we made it safely. You were so tired after a long flight, and then the drive, that you went to bed straightaway. We all stayed on deck, talking, laughing and drinking until the early hours, with much to catch up on.

We spent our days exploring, whether swimming at Sombrero Beach, walking through Bahia Honda State Park, or having fun in the spectacle that is Key West. At night we marvelled at the magnificent golden sunsets, and were awe-struck by the dolphins dipping and diving around the boat. You were mesmerised.

A few miles back from Vaca Key, where we were staying, is Grassy Key, and having driven up and down US1 a number of times, you had excitedly spotted the Dolphin Research Centre. We called in and you immediately decided you wanted to swim with the dolphins. You had read about autistic children and adults being able to interact with these creatures, and the beneficial outcomes to be gained. We booked you in for a session the following morning.

It was a gorgeous blue-sky, and having parked the car, we made our way into the facility. There was a little paperwork to fill in, and having discovered you had Asperger Syndrome, a special needs coordinator was assigned to you. We sat in the shade and watched you getting ready for your dolphin experience. Suddenly you turned to us, saying you didn’t want to do it, that you were frightened. All credit to the young lady with you; she spoke softly, telling you what to expect, calming your fears. She did an amazing job in keeping you focused, that you soon changed your mind.

You listened to the dolphins ‘speaking’ underwater by putting your ear below the surface, you held out your hands to touch the creature as it swam by, you had a handshake with it’s flippers, gave it a kiss, and for the finale, you clasped it’s dorsal fin, and were taken for a ride back and forth. Your smile was huge. You exhibited no fear at all, putting your trust in such a gentle but intelligent sea mammal.

This wasn’t a Disneyland ‘swim with the dolphins’, in a man-made, plastic-landscaped environment, but an experience with these animals in their natural habitat. Your dolphin was called Kibby, and it was truly wonderful to watch. Your demeanour changed, you were so happy and care-free, and we loved you for it.

We bought the requisite photo, t-shirt and cuddly toy. And that blue and white, plush dolphin toy, is with you now, my darling Angel son. We decided to put it beside you, in your coffin, so you could continue swimming with the dolphins in heaven. We hope you are having fun, and they are looking after you.

Swim peacefully.
We miss you every day; today more than yesterday, but not as much as we will tomorrow.
Love you xxx

May16

Remembering ~ Good times #2

Posted on May 16, 2015 by MeRaw

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Saturday 16th May

We walked out to one of the beaches today, where a food and drink festival was happening. It was warm and sunny, flags fluttering in the breeze, people milling around or sitting on the sand. We bought a cold drink and were joined by my sister and our niece.

We began talking about you, as we always do, saying what you would have done, or what you might have eaten (something called The Pig Dog would have appealed to you, I’m sure).

Then somehow, the conversation turned to Sea World, and how you would go off on your own, queue for the rides, strap yourself in, and have fun for hours, meeting up in say, two hours, at a designated spot, for food and drink. You loved Manta, Kraken, Antarctica and Journey to Atlantis.

On one of our earliest trips to Sea World though, you became lost. We could not find you. We searched everywhere for what seemed like hours. I would go one way round the park, my husband another, and when we met up, neither had seen you. We were becoming worried. And then my husband’s cell phone rings. It is the Customer Services desk, and they have a lost child with them, (well, a young man really), and would we like to collect him? Our son could retain and recall many different phone numbers, and certainly knew his Dad’s. (One of his traits of Aspergers included a wonderful memory for trivia, lists and numbers). When we found him, he was sitting in air conditioned comfort, drinking a soda, chatting away. No worries. He knew exactly what to do, by presenting himself as a ‘lost child’, and waiting for the parents to arrive!

A few more rides, some food, then he was ready to leave. He’d had a fun day: we were absolutely tired out!

Another year we came to Sea World, when you were much older, and you asked to attend an evening dinner show, a Hawaiian Luau. You thought it would be grown up and posh. Upon entering we were given colourful garlands, a small glass of rum punch, and then found a table at the front of the stage. You loved the fire spectacle, the lovely Hawaiian dancers and the acrobatic gymnasts.

It was lovely, sitting in the sunshine this afternoon, talking about you, remembering happy times, but my goodness, it does though, makes us so sad.

We talk to you later on in the early evening, as the sun is going down behind the trees in the cemetery. The jets are leaving their vapour trails overhead, and that is a reminder to us: by now, most of our summer holiday would have been booked, and you would be pestering us for the ‘itinerary’, and helping to organise various trips and outings as we made our way down to Orlando from South Carolina.

I don’t know what we will do. You have been traveling with us for thirty years. Everything was planned around you and your brother initially, then he moved on, and we continued to look after you, taking you everywhere with us. It will never, ever be the same again.

I hope you are traveling and soaring high with the angels up there, continuing your journeys.

Fly high, fly free xxxxxx