I normally don’t write a blog on a Saturday as it’s a very busy day. However, I wanted to show you a letter from Jaime but before that I had two other things to share with you. First, it’s time to say hello to Chris “Bubba” Roberts. Many of you will remember his brilliant blogs from Alaska and Hawaii last year and have been asking how he is doing……………….. so, let’s find out.
March 5, 2008
Greetings from the Carnival Spirit. I know it’s been a while since I checked in, so let me catch you up to speed on what’s been happening with me and the Carnival Spirit.
I returned from my vacation on January 15, 2009. I had a wonderful holiday season in my home in Tampa as well as my fiancé’s home in Prague in the Czech Republic. I had the opportunity to enjoy Thanksgiving with my parents at home, and Christmas and New Year with Julie’s family. It was interesting getting to see how a different country celebrates first hand. Biggest difference was what they eat at the Christmas meal. They eat a fish called carp. You buy them out on the street from vendors alive and bring them back home and keep them in your tub until it’s time for the Christmas meal. But that a whole other story.
When I returned to the Carnival Spirit it was business as usual. Kirk Benning, who was my relief during the vacation, had done a great job in keeping the ship in order. He even left all the Christmas decorations up in the cabin for me to take down when I moved back in…thanks Kirk!
I pretty much had a whole new team when I returned. New hosts, new ACD, new dancers, techs, and lots of new musicians. So even though I was returning, it was like starting over again as there were lots of new faces and names to learn. But within a couple of voyages it was like I had never left in the first place.
Pretty much since I returned back I have been preparing for the Carnival Spirit’s spring reposition and upcoming dry dock on March 12. The dry dock for the Carnival Spirit this year will run the length of two voyages where they will do routine maintenance. The big project for entertainment this dry dock is that we will be changing over our production shows. Since the spirit came out in 2001, we have had “Standing Room Only,” which is a Broadway tribute show, and “High Spirits” which is kind of tough to describe.
Well just last night we closed those shows for the final time and our technical team are working on our new shows which will be called “Jazz Hot” and “The Big Easy.” I have seen “Jazz Hot” when I worked on the Carnival Legend, but have not seen “The Big Easy” but have heard lots of great things about it. It is the first time a Spirit-class ship will undergo a show change so it should be pretty interesting. I will send you some more updates as they open up the new shows.
After the dry-dock ends on March 28, we will do one last eight-day cruise followed by a special seven-day cruise and then we will reposition out to Hawaii on April 12. Since I will be going home on the 12th for the dry dock, I am trying to get the Capers and schedules ready for that seven-day and the first 12-day Hawaii cruise now. On March 28 I will begin this year’s fam Trip to Alaska. So when the ship comes out of the dry dock I will not be on board, but my assistant Marky Marc will have the opportunity to try his hand at being the cruise director. He is very excited about it. I should return to the Spirit on April 5.
When I return, I will be on the Spirit for all of the Hawaii/Alaska/Hawaii season. I should be signing off on Oct. 10 when the ship returns back down to San Diego.
I am very much looking forward to getting back to Hawaii and Alaska. There is still so much more there that I want to see. I hope to get to do the helicopter tour in Hilo, Hawaii that flies over the active lava flow, I want to hit up another luau and maybe take a trip on the road to Hana in Maui. In Alaska, I got to go dog sledding this time, since I didn’t get to do it last season, plus I want to go back out crabbing…and in Sitka, I can’t wait to see the CHOWDA man! Where I will destroy a few bowls of that fantastic chowder that he makes.
My fiancé Julie has returned with me to the Carnival Spirit. We are also busy planning for our wedding which will be on Oct. 14, 2009 in Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Both of us are very excited for our new adventure together as when we leave the ship on Oct. 10, it will be for the last time as a cruise director. It’s time that I try something new, what that will be I am not sure yet. Still working on it. I have got a plan A, B, C, D, E…and so on.
My big dream is to hopefully get to purchase a radio station. I have been doing some research on it. I have been a regular guest on WSRQ in Sarasota, Florida, with my pal Al Ernst who I am sure John has spoken of many times. I have thoroughly enjoyed that, and think it would be something I would be well suited for. If not radio then my own business…or you may even see me on a “Fun Ship” working as one of the entertainers as I hope to continue performing my show as well. If you want to check out our wedding website it’s www.julieboruvkachris.com. Stop by and say hi!
Take Care,
Chris
Great to hear from you mate and I am sure you will have many visitors to your website. Congratulations again on the great job you continue to do and we all hope you will send us another Bubba Blog soon.
I see a lot of you enjoyed the photos that one of our entertainment staff Gerardo Borbolla shared with us of the Carnival Valor at anchor outside Grand Cayman’s Spot Bay, Well, I then saw his collection and I knew I had to share them with you. So today I will launch a daily addition to the blog by showing you a photo taken by someone who laughingly calls himself “an amateur.”……………Here is the Carnival Destiny docked in Grand Turk.
Brilliant!
And now, here is a very sad Dear John letter from Jaime
March 6, 2009
Dear John,
This past 24 hours has provided an intense gambit of emotions for many of us sailing currently on the Carnival Splendor. On a bright note, today celebrates my one and a half year anniversary working for Carnival Cruise Lines. Only one day and six months behind the anniversary of the blog-thingy! I would never have imagined I would have come this far is such a short period of time…
For me, this day has brought upon an incredible amount of first time experiences along with the extreme highs and lows that correspond with any type of intensely emotional experience. The morning began with my first walk around the Splendor track as we provided “walk-a-mile with the entertainment staff” to our guests. The skies were overcast and the pleasant breeze made for a nice relaxing beginning to the day. Brad, our assistant cruise director joined me up on the track and we had a wonderful opportunity to bond and discuss how we started working for Carnival, the challenges of being an ACD and just life in general.
As we rounding the track, we heard the guest services personnel make an announcement that we were in search of a guest, and asking that he could “kindly contact the desk by dialing 7777 or reporting to the deck three lobby.” By this time, security was on deck 12 with a picture in hand, asking Brad and myself if we had seen the missing gentlemen. Not long after these first two clues, Goose reported from the navigational bridge that we had reason to believe a gentlemen had gone overboard within recent hours and when we had further information it would be shared. The traveling companions of this man were already aware of this situation.. I watched people rush to the edge of the ship, with open hearts and binoculars in hand to aid in the search for this missing gentlemen.
Within minutes, our cruise staff team, as well as the musical director, dance captain Claire and senior technician met in Goose’s cabin to participate in an extensive search . As per the procedure, we thoroughly checked all of our areas on the ship. He was no where to be found. By this time, we were informed that we were heading back to the area where this man was last seen, which was our traveling area at 4:30 am the previous morning. When we finally arrived at this location we sailed in an east and west box pattern until after sunset. Helicopters and rescue boats from the Chilean navy searched the area as well. This is the first time that this type of situation has ever occurred on any ship I have been sailing on. Perhaps that’s why myself and others had such a difficult time dealing with this harsh reality. Goose was extremely comforting to the guests and our team in this situation. He gave me a warm hug, and I surely needed that.
My job is to make sure people are enjoying their vacation and having fun. Today, I had a hard job. Brad, the assistant cruise director, is right, we have one of the most exciting and fun jobs in the world. However, it is ever changing and we have to be ready to adapt to whatever situation arises. We keep smiling and stay positive.
On top of this tragedy and the feelings of sadness and disappointment that correlate with this occasion, those of us who were looking forward to going to Maccu Picchu realized that this dream that we had may no longer be a reality. We were originally scheduled to fly to Cusco early the next morning. We all tried to stay hopeful that Paul, our shore excursion manager and his team would be able to find an alternate flight or a private charter so that we could all experience this wonder of the world.
We received this email from Paul at 6:20pm:
HI All,I am very sorry to say that tomorrow the planned Machu Picchu tour has been cancelled as we could not re-schedule a flight at a later time despite many efforts.
All guests and crew will be notified this evening and will receive a full refund.
RegardsThank you and Regards,
Paul
Carnival Cruise Lines | Shore Excursion Manager |
As everyone knows, John has an incredible ability of making every situation, even challenging ones seem light hearted and jovial. Now, I have not yet refined this ability. My heart and prayers go out to the family and friends of this gentleman who was reported missing yesterday. All of us crew members feel immense sorrow for the family of this man who we saw just a few days earlier happily doing puzzles in our library.We received a letter from the captain this morning explaining that the wife of this gentleman had found a note that suggested a planned suicide and that representatives from the ship’s CareTeam were with the wife and accompanying friends providing emotional support during the very difficult time. This was shared with all of our guests.
Even though the sun is shining as we arrive in Arica, Chile today… it is still a day of remembrance, prayer, hope and love on board the ship.
The 47 guests and 25 crewmembers that had planned a trip of a lifetime meant to depart from Arica will not be climbing Machu Picchu during this trip. I am still confident that tomorrow will be a better day =)
What a perfect opportunity for my future husband to sweep me off my feet!
::keep smiling::
Jaime
Thank you Jaime.
A wise man once told me that the cruise industry appears to have become, without warning, the new Golden Gate Bridge. I have been at sea for 20 years and until recently I never heard or witnessed this sort of thing before.
Why do people choose a ship to end their days? Is it to have a last few days of comfort or even dare I say……… fun?………….I don’t know.
Some say that love is holding on, and some say love is letting go. Death is a natural event; we demand control of everything else.
We are human and if we take a first breath we have to take a last one sometime and the choice must be individual and whether we think of it as right or wrong……….. it must be respected.
Our thoughts are not only with the family he leaves behind but also with the guests and crew of the Carnival Splendor who will no doubt be looking out to sea the next few days and thinking about their fellow guest who choose to offer himself to the sea.
John
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the missing man. While some people have their reasons for doing something like this it gives no thought to the family, guests and crew who must deal with the situation.
It turns a once in a lifetime vacation into one that will be remembered for the wrong reasons.
I guess I will post on the cheery part of the blog. Elizabeth and I will be cruising Alaska on Carnival Spirit in 81 days!!
We’re looking forward to the cruise and meeting Bubba.
I’m still not too sure about Volcano Redoubt. It should have erupted by now, but seems content to wait a while longer.
What kind of impact could it have on the Alaska cruises and does Carnival have contingency plans in place?
Hi John!
My thoughts go out to everyone after this terrible tragedy.
Its amazing how quickly things can change.
Good luck to Jaime, crew and the wife’s family getting through this situation.
David
John,
My thoughts are with the family and all those on board. What a terrible thing to have to go through.
KathyG
Hi John,
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the crew of the Splendor. I cannot imagine how they all must feel but as usual, the wonderful crew tries their very best to bring comfort to everyone on board. This is one of the many reasons Carnival is our cruise line of choice.
It was good to read Bubba again. Someday we hope to cruise to Alaska.
Our best to Heidi and little Thingy and to you too John.
Sallie & Michael
How shocking to hear such a thing that took place onboard the Splendor. My thoughts and prayers are with gentleman’s family, of the crew of the Splendor and especially Jaime who sounds very affected by these. John, you tell Jaime even though I’m wonderfully married to Marylou, if she needs a strong shoulder to cry on you can use mine. I feel very sorry for them all.
For the gentleman……………………………….RIP.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
we do not know what life is going to throw our way , things change so fast , so many people never know whats happening form one day to the next , when people do leave this world we can never really know why . As the case of three very brave canadian soldiers who lost their lives last week . we are all living in a world that is filled with events we cannot understand . we must move forward in live and enjoy every moment as if it is our last , tell that person we are sorry , do what makes us happy and always remember what we do adn say can effect others. Our prayers are with that family
John:
I am so sorry that you had to report thru Jamie such a terrible tragedy. I send my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the poor man. I also send my regrets to the captain and crew of the Splendor as they were so enjoying a wonderful cruise.
On a good note, it was so nice to hear from Bubba again. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.
Marie
My thoughts go out to the crew and passangers, it is a tough thing to have to search for a person who has fallen over board, no matter how big the vessel is. I have personally had to do this in my line of work (as a boat captain).
John you asked a couple of days ago about tiping, I personally like the idea of personally tipping the crew, I think you get better service when the crew knows that they have to face the party giving the tip than knowing that it is going to be there no matter how they preform. I can however understand the need to have this type of program, knowing that there are people out there who for one reason or other do not tip the people they should. I still tip above and beyond what is added to my sail and sign card, exspecially if the person does an outstanding job. I belive a tip is a show of appreciation for the service rendered.
good luck to Bubba on his new career I hope he is making the right chioce in the economic climate.
the Pictures of Heidi are just smashing. and she looks glowing. you are indeed a very lucky person to have such a fine and lovely wife.
Take care and be safe
Your friend currently shore side,
Capt Bill
Depression is a very difficult medical condition to try to understand. My next door neighbor (and very close friend of my wife) chose to take her own life on her 40th birthday a year ago last January. Nobody had any clue that she was suffering so terribly….a block party had been planned (weeks before) to celebrate on the subsequent weekend. We still wonder “Why”?
Last Friday, I found that the husband of one of my dental assistants had also chosen to hang himself, after leaving a note that said, “Please don’t let the two boys (aged 10 and 12) see me”.
It doesn’t help the Carnival Splendor crew or guests, but I add this information to let them know that it is not uncommon for people to end their lives in their “prime” for reasons that we will never, ever be able to grasp.
David
Hi John,
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the missing man as well as the crew who must deal with all of this.
Congratulations to Bubba and Julie. We hope thier last few months with Carnival will all be happy times. And best of luck with what ever adventur they find in the future.
Hugs!
Princess Barb
John,
Just a short note and a thought. I feel that there are people in this world, for whatever reason, see the need to end their lives. It may be that they can no longer carry on with the world such as it is. It may also be that they have a terminal illness and can’t bear the thought of having to linger while their family and friends watch them waste away. These same individuals, who would have had their ashes scattered in the ocean after departing this world, see a cruise ship as the ultimate vessel to carry out their wishes. No matter the security steps taken by the cruise industry, there is no way to screen an individuals thoughts and desires when boarding a vessel. So sorry that Jaime and the rest of the crew, as well as the family and friends of this man had to endure this tragedy. Our thoughts and condolences go out to them.
Lance & Ilda.
I am so sorry to hear about what this man’s family is going to have to go through. It has been said that suicide leaves a horrible scar of guilt on the family.
He has robbed his family of even a body to bury or any kind of the normal “closure” that a funeral provides.
It reminds me of one night on the Imagination last January (the cruise that you and Heidi were on with us) when an elderly lady approached me about 1AM on the Promenade.
She asked me if I had seen her elderly husband. She had searched everywhere and she was in such a panic.
She and I tried to retrace his steps on Promenade, checked Lido and when we had looked everywhere that I could think of …. then I remembered seeing you, Jorge and some folks were having a cigar in the back Bar. So I brought her there and I asked Kevin Noonan for assistance.
Kevin immediately reassured her that everything would be ok….and they left to find her husband. Thankfully, they did. Her husband had the onset of Alzheimer’s and he had gotten distracted on the way back from the Casino.
I saw her later on in the cruise and she was so thankful for the help. She was very complimentary of Kevin and how kind he had been.
I saw the fear this gentleman had caused his wife through no fault of his own….the Alzheimer’s was starting to take it’s toll. I can’t imagine causing a family member that much pain on purpose.
Linda
John, you are the Best.
See the Chilean Fjords
Thanks for sharing the sad story about the jumper. We had already read about it from e-mails we received from friends on the ship. We were there on the Splendor from Ft. Lauderdale to Buenos Aires. The Splendor is a fantastic ship and therein lies my theory as to “Why?”
1) Visit Barabados
2) Cross the Equator
3) Sit in a Thalassotherapy Pool in the Cloud 9 Spa
4) Kiss a beautiful girl (Jaime)
5) See Rio and Cristo Redentor
6) Dance the Tango in Buenos Aires
7) Cross the Horn
9) Ride a cruise ship in a storm
10) See great Review shows with wonderful dancers
11) Eat Filet Mignon, Lobster tail, and Shrimp Cocktails til you puke
John, let’s be honest… If this isn’t a BUCKET LIST what is? How about a reply?
All the Best, Andy
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, guests and crew tonight. John thank you for your kind words. Life is all about choices we make and sometimes people make choices we might not understand. Lynn and Mike Sagara
So sad. When people are this distraught they usually do not think straight and fail to reflect on how thier actions impact others, particularly those they love.
I once had a friend who planned to shoot himself in the head at the end of the driveway at his home. He said he was going to show his kids how much he loved them! (He had a drinking problem and was facing losing his family)
I was able to talk him out of it by asking him if he had thought about how his daughter would feel remembering that scene the rest of his life.
He was a good man who had a bad problem that he could not seem to overcome. Eventually things ended poorly for him and his family because he just could not stay away from the alcohol.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and also the crew of the Carnival Splendor.
Bubba good luck on your forthcoming marriage. And also on your plans to start your own business. That’s a big jump to make so soon after getting married. I wish you all the best.
Countess Carolyn………
PS Bubba make sure Julie learns how to make grits.
Our prayers are with the family he left behind.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of the missing man. And, also to the crew of the Splendor. What a tragedy…
Lisa and George
John,
First thing first, our thoughts and prayers to the family of the missing gentleman. May he be welcomed in heaven. Secondly, to the hardworking people of Carnival Splendor, life must go on.
Our congratulation to Chris and best wishes to Julie on their upcoming wedding. Watching them together on the Carnival Spirit tells us that are really meant for each other. Good Luck to both of you and we’ll see you both come April 12 when we join you.
If Chris is calling it
But anyway as I was rudely interrupted by my little finger (I suppose), if Chris is calling it quits as CD, maybe John may fill in as the Spirit CD in transition, an excellent opportunity for John, Heidi and the young CD to be to travel to Alaska, not in October but the Spring of 2010. Our offer to him for a fun time in Seattle is still valid.
Amor
I have not read the blog in long time. I am sorry for the family of the gentleman. It was so exciting to hear from Bubba. We were on the termination cruise from Alaska last year it was awesome. We loved it so much we booked the same exact room for Hawaii. We will be on Bubbas last cruise! How exciting! Keep up all the great work you do. 204 days!
Bloggers have often commented that your blogs can elicit both tears of joy and of sadness. This posting is a perfect example.
We have family members on both the Spirit and the Splendour so we enjoy reading about ship happenings as it makes us feel close to them when we are separated. Some of our family will be on the Spirit April 24 repositioning cruise with both of our “cruising” family members and thanks to your blogs we’ll not have missed much of what they have experienced.
Our thoughts are with the family, passengers, staff and crew of the Splendour.
Terry and Danielle
Prince Edward Island, Canada
To the family and friends of this gentleman, the Captain and crew and the passengers on that cruise we extend our deepest concern and sympathy.
Geri & Jack
John, Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the elderly man who chose to end his life from the Spendor. I’m sure the crew did a great job of helping and consoling the family.
On a somewhat lighter note, it was nice to hear from Bubba again. I wonder if he has read the statistics on unemployment in Florida and the failure of way too many small business attempts. Since he was just home in Tampa I assume he has. We wish him the best. Jeri and Larry
I don’t understand it… Life is full and beautiful. God gives us a limited amount of time on the Earth and I want all of it that I’m allocated.
I’m sure that there must be something, some event, some pain, some loss that drives people to end their lives but I don’t… I can’t understand.
I’ve been praying for comfort for this family since word first came about this gentleman’s fate. God love them…
Host Mach
We have previously sailed on the Carnival Spirit to Alaska with Shawn Bussey as the CD. We look forward to meeting Chris and Julie on April 12th as we sail to Hawaii.
Best wishes to both of you on your engagement and marriage.
John & Pat
My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of the guest.
Our thoughts and prayers are also with the family left behind and the staff, crew and the passengers that were on board.
I know this had to have been hard for all those involved in this tragedy. Jaime, it sounds like you did a good job handling this situation.
Regards to tipping. We too like to tip personally but I do understand some people do not so the automatic charge is good for them. My only problem is with the wine steward. My husband and myself do not drink wine so we do not use the services of the wine steward and feel that our tip should not be split with this person. Not that they probably are not a very good person, but we wish out auto tip would go to someone else. This time we are letting it go and just giving extra to our servers. Also, I have noticed on another cruise line that because they knew they were getting “a piece of the pie” they were just not as attentive as in the past. These were just my thoughts that I wanted to share.
Prayers for everyone involved with the family, for it is the living who have to deal with what happened. I know depression is a serious illness but this trip and all the planning that went into it… what a sad way to choose to end it since it also includes so many others who are affected.
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I also had heard this from friends that stayed on the ship when I got off explaining who he was. Its very sad when despair takes its toll in this way. So sorry for the family. I hate it too that all those who were doing the Machu Pichu excursion were unable to go. That was an aswesome excursion! It just wasn’t meant to be for some reason Jaime.
John: When every day is so valuable to me- I can never
imagine the terrible despair which the gentleman who
chose to end his life on the SPLENDOR had.
I am “working ” through health challenges now but something like this is unimaginable! I do everything to live!
My prayers are with everyone on that ship- and the
crew.. and most of all the cruise director who
works so hard to make everyone happy …
Also how about an update on Heidi? I hope she
is well .
I am so excited for you to be a dad- John you are a dear man and will be a wonderful “papa”.
I was lucky enough to have one daughter who
recently graduated college and is working..
she wanted to be a cruise director- we started on
CARNIVAL when she was in school Camp Carnival
and Teen Carnival and all of that.She ended up in
public relations but still loves to “cruise”.
It is great to be a parent.
I have a goal: to be on another of your cruises
some day !! You are the best !
Cheri
John,
Our prayers are with everyone on the Splendor. We can’t imagine why someone would want to do this to their family on such a wonderful vacation. Jamie, our hearts are with you, the crew, and the passengers on board.
Great picture of Heidi !
Mike & Lori
How incredibly sad. My heart goes out to the family of this person who allegedly chose to end their life by hurling themselves into the sea as well to the crew and passengers on the Carnival Splendor. It is difficult to understand the mindset that leads up to this type of event.
We should all strive to live life to the fullest and to enjoy the time we have in this realm.
The Flying Dutchman
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, staff, crew and passengers that were on-board when thes man decided to end his life. May God bless you all during this very difficult time.
Lori
Dear John,
Please reply.
I am sorry if you receeved this emaild twice, I was having trouble sending the first one and I never did know if it went out. I love traveling on Carnival cruise ships. March 22 I will be sailing on carnival Victory for the 9th time, number ten will be on June 3 on the Spirit. There one on going problem and that is getting a steak cooked to my liking. I know it is a small problem,but it has become kind a game to me to try to get the steak cooked medium. Everytime and I mean everytime during my last three cruise they were not cooked correct. I like my steak medium.I have ordered medium, medium rare, and even rare. I know I can send it back but that is not the point. Any suggestions on how to order my steak? By the way I love your blog. I read it each morning before I start my day and it always puts a smile on my face.
Hi John:
As you say, a time for all things.
I hope the family in time learns to deal with this and has faith.
The picture of the wooden dock with the ship at the other dock is exceptional, thanks.
your friend
Bill Heck
I add my thoughts and prayers to all the others for the gentleman, his family, and the Splendor crew.
Well said, Mach. I can’t understand it either…
Jaime, thanks for sharing this with us. While we weren’t there with you, we all share the pain of something like this.
Bubba, thanks for sharing the latest “Bubba Blog” and your wedding web site. We look forward to hearing more from you through your last contract.
Rick H.
Well John it looks like your getting to RCL. This was printed in Cruise News Daily!
“* Some People Now Have a Real “Beef” with Royal Caribbean’s Dining Room
Mar 6 – Despite what you may be hearing (primarily from Carnival Cruise Lines’ spokesperson), you don’t have to pay for a steak on Royal Caribbean – unless you want to – and then it’s something special. Royal Caribbean has created an option for their customers that other lines haven’t yet made available to theirs.”
John Please Forward to Jaime,
There is no comfort that you can give a person who has had such a loss. Just to know that you care and hurt for them says so much about yourself and the caring crew of the Splendor. The other member of the passengers may be dissapointed that a opportunity to go on such a great shore excursion is understandable but I am sure that they understand. Put all things great and small before the Lord and ask him for guidance and you will receive it. May peace and love find its way into the hearts that sail with you on this voyage.
James and Nancy
The Cruzin2some
Hey, John
What a range of emotions, reading todays blog. First, for Jaime and all the crew and passengers on the Splendor. I’m sure everyone had to stop and think about what may be caused this man to end his life, and how precious life really is. My prayers to all affected by this loss. On a positive note: Jaime certainly has a gift of writing to be able to express the circumstances and emotions so well. She must have taken lessons from you, John!
And congratulations to Bubba and Julie! Visited their website and left them a message. I certainly enjoyed my cruise on the Spirit.
Please Reply:
Bubba mentioned that he returned to a new ACD. What happened to Kirk? He and Chris worked so well together and ALWAYS made me laugh. I’m hoping that he is now on vacation or has been reassigned as a CD!
Thank you everyone for all of you thoughts and prayers during this especially difficult time. We are all coming together with hope and cheer and looking forward to the end of the cruise.
See you soon.
Jaime =)
John,
I just have to vent about this gentleman who jumped. I don’t know what was in the air this last week, but I watched my father through a glass window in ICU fighting to take a breath after two heart attacks. At that same time, I learn my good friend from church lost her 10 year fight against cancer. She fought every day with a smile on her face. She NEVER questioned it or gave up hope.
I wonder what made that man who had more days on this earth just give up as my dad was fighting as hard as he could, and Gloria fought till her final breath. What I would give to see her smile at church one more time…but Gloria’s prayers were answered…she lived long enough to see her children grown.
Ok, I’m off my soap box….ugh that shows my age.
Princess Susan
Dear John,
Suicide is madness.Many times on this blog I have said as human’s we are always connected. And in return affected by each and every act we do. This is an emotional subject, and my heart bleeds for the familys involved, friends and of course Jaime the crew and lastly the guests whose day was rocked by this tragedy. First hand I can say, there is no making sence. It is an irrational act, albeit planned. We all know one minute, one hour can change our lives to good or bad. But we were given that one minute and one hour. I say take it. My aunt commited suside and my first husband passed in a car accident at 25. Both tragic. One preventable. Imagine when I remarried the horror of a second husband commiting suicide? Not the Golden Gate or a ship, but he same end. I am writing this to writing this to share with you the universe doesn’t always have answers to questions. In all the sadness, because i have chosen life, I have added Jeff my son, Dan my husband of 22 years now, and grandchildren, countless friends and co-workers. They are all reason for me to go on. So if anyone feels the madness, press on. Choose life.
As always,
Love, Kap
Kap
Dear John,
i hope that you can help us. We were on Carnival Pride last week and met with kirk and Jaime. My daughter became very attached to them both and she wanted to get in touch with them. Any ideas? Please forward my email address to both of them.
Thanks,
Jenn Kennedy