ShirlinTN
New Member
Have luggage.....will travel.
Posts: 25
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Post by ShirlinTN on Jun 22, 2008 6:28:05 GMT -5
I am at a loss as to how to post this message. It is very difficult. First, let me say that I have not disappeared from this board. My trip to Paris went very well. I have yet to post a Trip Report, but will do so in a few weeks. I returned home from Paris on May 20. Four days later I received a telephone call at 6:00 AM from my daughter in Michigan. My son was killed in a horrific boating accident the night before. His fiance was also killed. The boat on which he was a passenger hit a barge in the dark. It is questionable as to whether or not the barge was lit. Many people say it was not. Another passenger on the boat was also killed. My son, Joe, was a boat owner himself and an excellent driver. At one time he raced boats, winning second place in his class in a world championship offshore racing competition. He gave that up when his daughter was born. My husband and I have been in Michigan for the past month. We only returned home a few days ago. Below is a photo of Joe relaxing on his boat last summer. He was 42 years old. He leaves behind his six-year-old daughter. Shirl  |
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Post by Anne on Jun 22, 2008 7:05:18 GMT -5
Shirlin, this is appalling . I cannot imagine what it is like to lose one's child . I am so so sorry for you .
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Post by GitteK on Jun 22, 2008 7:07:17 GMT -5
Oh no, Shirlin. Poor, poor, poor you.
I weep for you now as I write, for this is such an unspeakable tragedy.
Words are so shallow, but being the mother of a beautiful boy myself, I send my deepest commiserations to your devastated, broken heart.
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Post by Shoesy on Jun 22, 2008 7:10:10 GMT -5
Shirl - And I am at a loss as to how to reply to your post.  My eyes are so full of tears that I can hardly see the screen and keyboard. My heart aches for your family and the others involved. I am so so so sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in the beautiful memories of that very handsome boy that you are proud to have had as your son. My prayers are with all of you. |
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Post by GitteK on Jun 22, 2008 7:15:52 GMT -5
I suggest we all light candles for Shirlin and her family, as we read this thread.  |
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Post by geordy on Jun 22, 2008 7:57:26 GMT -5
Shirl,
I am so sorry for your loss, words cannot express.
We'll be here whenever you wish to immerse yourself in the world of Paris.
Deepest sympathy to you and your family and take good care of yourselves.
Geordy
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Post by mez on Jun 22, 2008 8:00:00 GMT -5
Shirl,
What a terrible, terrible tragedy for your family.
I am so sorry that something like this has happened to your family.
Please accept my most heart-felt condolences.
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Post by sandy on Jun 22, 2008 8:53:29 GMT -5
Losing a child is a mother's worst nightmare. I don't know how you had the courage to write this post. I'm terrible with words, I just send you my deepest sympathy.
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Post by cybee on Jun 22, 2008 9:33:01 GMT -5
ShirlinTN,
My deepest and most profound sympathies are with you. The photo of Joe shows a wonderful looking fellow full of joy and I also appreciate his love of boating. Such out of the blue tragic events are truly difficult to understand (sounds like that barge has some explaining, etc. to do). My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Post by ray on Jun 22, 2008 9:51:02 GMT -5
Shirl, We will include your whole family in our prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Post by Happygoin on Jun 22, 2008 10:15:03 GMT -5
Shirl, I'm so sorry to hear your devastating news. No mother should have to go through that. My prayers are with you and your family.
Gayle
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Post by sistereurope on Jun 22, 2008 10:38:36 GMT -5
Shirl,
I simply can't imagine what you are and have been going through...you have my most sincere sympathy.
Sending many healing vibes to you and your family.
Dawn
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Jun 22, 2008 10:49:41 GMT -5
Shirl, I literally can't imagine how you feel. I know there really isn't anything we can do that will help, but for what it's worth we would if we could. We will be thinking of you - take care.
Becky
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Post by denise on Jun 22, 2008 11:09:03 GMT -5
:'(my dear shirl.....I also am in tears as I read this, and find it very difficult to find words. I cannot imagine anything worse for a mother to lose her child.
Please accept my condolences also and know that all our thoughts are with you at this very sad time.
Joe looks like a wonderful man, happy and full of life. I hope your happy memories and your granddaughter will be of comfort to you.
I have only just been able to log back on to OPF today, but as a sign of respect I will stay silent until tomorrow as it seems wholly inappropriate for me to continue.
Denise
Love from England
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Post by annettecinca on Jun 22, 2008 12:03:00 GMT -5
Oh Shirl, what heartbreaking news. You will be in my prayers
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Post by Megan on Jun 22, 2008 13:33:42 GMT -5
Shirlin, I am so sorry to hear your news - words are never enough at this time but do know that we are thinking of you at this sad time
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Post by Jody on Jun 22, 2008 13:36:05 GMT -5
What devastating news. I'll keep your family in my thoughts. So sad that he left a small child.
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Post by Sandy M on Jun 22, 2008 16:54:24 GMT -5
Shirl,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Your Joe was a very handsome man and his face is so full of joy that it must break your heart to have lost him. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers with special prayers for his little daughter.
Sandy M
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Post by kittyhead on Jun 22, 2008 17:38:54 GMT -5
shirl, i feel awful for you & your family. please accept my condolences.
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Post by holger on Jun 22, 2008 17:42:30 GMT -5
Shirl,
What a devastating loss. Words cannot possibly do more than convey my deepest sympathy. Your son looked so happy and I pray you will remember him that way.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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My eyes are so full of tears that I can hardly see the screen and keyboard. My heart aches for your family and the others involved. I am so so so sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in the beautiful memories of that very handsome boy that you are proud to have had as your son. My prayers are with all of you.
Let the riot begin! LOL - 
hahahha