Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Jamaica Recap

I have a lot I have been thinking about that I want to share on here, but don't want to post too much too soon, because I really want each post to be seen. But, I know that some of you may be awaiting a Jamaica recap and photos, so I thought I would start there.

Overall, we had a nice time. New Year's was really, really hard, as I said in an earlier post. But it was nice to be out in the sunshine, to spend some good time with Spencer, as well as my mom and stepdad (Jim), and to try to relax a little. I think the relaxation part may have been better than I realized when we were there, because these past two days at work I can barely keep my eyes open!

So, here you go... a Jamaica recap in pictures...


The bumper sticker on the bus that transferred us from the airport to our hotel. I loved it! There are a LOT of churches in Jamaica.



A view from our resort during the day


Our resort at night


The beach chess game we spent a lot of time playing. I must have played a dozen times, and only won three times...


Spence and I in the lobby waiting for our dinner reservation the second night there


Spencer on New Year's Eve


All of us at New Year's Eve dinner


Spence and I at dinner at the resort's Japanese-style restaurant


My mom and Jim at dinner, same restaurant


Spence looking happy...


Spence and I by the pool, with the Caribbean in the background


My mom and I by the pool, same shot


Spence and I on the beach with our resort in the background

The resort was great, the workers were really friendly, and it was nice to spend some time away. But I still missed Isaac a ton. Seeing other families there with toddlers running around, and with babies a few months old in their strollers was hard... those are things I would have loved to have done with Isaac, but won't have the chance too. It's all just very bittersweet I guess... a definite blessing that we were able to get away, but still another reminder that we could go away because Isaac isn't here. There's just been this tug-of-war on my heart lately... time and circumstances seeming to pull me forward, and then me not necessarily wanting to because it somehow feels further away from Isaac. God has been gracious, though, that He has allowed those moments of peace and the ability to look a little further down the road and begin, even if just a little, to hope again.


22 comments:

Lisa said...

Beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing your trip with us.

Anonymous said...

I came upon your blog through my daughter-in-law's blog and I am so touched by the way you can express yourself and how awesome Isaac is through your eyes and your heart. It brings tears to my eyes every time I check in on you and wish for you and Spencer Gods blessings and that each day you can become a little stronger with joy and happiness and be proud of your little boy on how he has touched so many lives in the short amount of time he was on this earth with us. God Bless and you will continue to be in my prayers.

Wendy said...

Beautiful, the pictures and your family. I'm glad you got a little mental break for a few days. <3

Anonymous said...

The resort looks beatiful! Glad you got some down time with Spencer. Love the pictures!

Chatty Cricket said...

at the risk of sounding so cheesy, I am happy you got to spend some time in the sun and by the water, there is something about the sea that is so calming and restorative I think.

I am sure that Isaac was with you as you welcomed the new year. I continue to pray for peace for you and Spencer.

Jess :) said...

Stacy,

What a blessing that you and Spencer, and your mom and Jim were able to get away and spend some much needed time together. I can only imagine how many times you thought of Isaac and were reminded of him. My prayers will continue for you that you will feel peace. I wish I could do more to help, but right now...prayer is the best thing!!

Thank you for sharing the pictures. It looks beautiful there. And you look beautiful, as well!!

Love and blessings,
Jess :)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures. So glad you got to spend some time away with your family!

Hate to ask, but what's the name of the resort you stayed at, and how did you plan your trip?

Thanks,

Laura W. (N. Ga.)

Jill said...

Looks like a warm and beautiful vacation!

Thank you for sharing this with us!!! We love to know that you are trying your best to have happy moments together. Still sending many prayers your way.

BTW, you look fabulous!!!!

Jess said...

So glad you were able to get away!! Looks like a beautiful resort! Great pics!

The Writer Chic said...

Thank you for sharing these few photos, Stacy. It does my heart good to see you smiling, though I know you are still hurting so. You are in my thoughts daily, almost hourly.

Unknown said...

My mouth dropped at beauty in some of them photos! You and Spencer make a beautiful couple...

I wanted Isaac to be in them photos as well but I know he was splashing in the pool and urging his Mommy to win more games chess right beside you :)

Thanks for the update sweety! X.

Amanda said...

Stacy,

I am glad you were able to get away. I know exactly what you mean when you say that you feel like time is pulling you forward. I have felt that very strongly lately and it is so hard not to fight it. I am still really struggling with that. I pray for many blessings for you and your family during this coming year.

Take care,
Amanda

Forever missing Gavin

Julie said...

I'm so glad you had a chance to get away and relax a bit, even though parts were hard. I know the push and pull you feel with wanting to move forward yet not wanting to move farther from Isaac. It gets easier...in some ways and harder in others. Even though he's not physically here, you will forever carry Isaac in all that you do. He is forever with you.

Continuing to send prayers....

FSD said...

I'm so glad you and your family had a wonderful vacation in Jamaica! I'm not sure if this is the resort you were concerned about, but it looks gorgeous!! I hope it exceeded your expectations.

Just know that Isaac will always be close to you and he'll always be in your heart. He's part of you and time won't and can't change that.

I hesitate to say this because I don't know how you'll receive it, but I just want you to know that you look absolutely fabulous!!! I know that's the least of your concerns right now, but I just wanted to extend the compliment.

Continuing to pray for you and your family. God bless!

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

What a gorgeous view of the water...I'm so grateful you and Spencer had that time. Still praying...

kelly

B MoM said...

Just wanted to say that you and spencer are a great looking couple. =)

asplashofsunshine said...

I've obviously never met you in person... but, it is wonderful to see you smile, even just for a snapshot. Gorgeous photos of your vacation. Thanks for sharing.

Laura said...

So beautiful...so glad you were able to get away. Still praying...

Anonymous said...

It looks like you and your family had a good trip. I'm glad the resort turned out to be so beautiful. No matter where you go, Isaac will always be with you as a part of your heart.

Thank you for sharing your trip.

The Knight Family said...

that is just what I was going to say - - (above comment).... Isaac will always be with you in your hearts and memory forever - you will always have him there.
It did my heart good to see you smiling...

~Cindy from Tennessee

Jocelyn said...

What a beautiful place to visit. So glad that you were able to go! I so enjoye seeing the smile on your faces!!!! Still praying for you and thanks for sharing with us!

heidi said...

That's it...I'm booking our trip to Jamaica!!! I've been once, and would love to go back. Your pics are beautiful, and it's so good to see you smiling & having a few days away. Praying for you!~Heidi