DJ's Canvas for his 50th cruise.

lhp · #1 (**permalink**) June 20th, 2012, 10:06 AM

Carnival did it up right....

Dinner with the Captain in his private dining room. We had a BLAST.... no 2 hour snoozer here.

Sadly DJ would not go, because he does not eat with strangers. (so they allowed us to bring a couple of friends at the Captain's invitation) Our oldest son was with us on this cruise, so that made it even more special.

Then they gave DJ this canvas on the Bridge (which we had matted and framed and is hanging in the den) with several signatures. AND we saw WHALES while we were on the Bridge. The Officers were handing us binoculars to see them!!

Very nice ....

Btw, my back went out that morning. Thank goodness it was on the last day, because I was doing good to be able to stand!!

Snoozeman · #2 (**permalink**) June 20th, 2012, 12:52 PM

Fantastic.

LanieK · #3 (**permalink**) July 2nd, 2012, 07:32 AM

Linda.....DJ's smile says it all

Trip · #4 (**permalink**) July 2nd, 2012, 09:03 AM

Well, how fabulous is that!! Memories were made that day.

Capndinghy · #5 (**permalink**) July 2nd, 2012, 10:16 AM

That is a very nice Gesture. 50 Cruises -- WoW!

lhp · #6 (**permalink**) July 2nd, 2012, 01:40 PM

For those who may not know, DJ has Autism.

And he really connected with cruising when we sailed with him for the first time in 1998.....

over the years, we have been blessed to be able to use a cruise ship as a tool ( in a controlled environment) to teach him many life lessons that he uses on a daily basis in "the real world".

Trip · #7 (**permalink**) July 2nd, 2012, 01:45 PM

By reading your posts over the years, it seems the cruising world has really embraced your family...how wonderful for your family, and, for the crew!

Bobbicat · #8 (**permalink**) July 2nd, 2012, 07:54 PM

DJ is a real sweetheart, just like his mom and dad. I have had the pleasure of sailing with them only once, but it was very memorable and fun. Thanks for sharing this Linda!!

T C · #9 (**permalink**) July 2nd, 2012, 08:03 PM

I've also had the pleasure of being on the same sailings as Linda & her family a few times. DJ is comfortable on the cruise ships, and often walks the ship from end to end by himself, if he wants to speak to you he will, but often when I've run into him he just kind of nods his head and says nothing

Linda you really are blessed with him and all his accomplishments.

How is David doing?

lhp · #10 (**permalink**) July 3rd, 2012, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T C

I've also had the pleasure of being on the same sailings as Linda & her family a few times. DJ is comfortable on the cruise ships, and often walks the ship from end to end by himself, if he wants to speak to you he will, but often when I've run into him he just kind of nods his head and says nothing

Linda you really are blessed with him and all his accomplishments.

How is David doing?

David is fine. No more pain....now if we can just stop the coyotes from running out in front of his car....lol

Fern · #11 (**permalink**) July 4th, 2012, 12:36 AM

I haven't had the pleasure of cruising with your family, but I have followed your "adventures" for a long time!

What a wonderful gift for DJ! I hope we'll meet on a cruise someday.

green_rd · #12 (**permalink**) July 4th, 2012, 02:50 PM

Congratulations to DJ - what a blessing you found cruising so good for him.

lhp · #13 (**permalink**) July 4th, 2012, 06:05 PM

Thanks y'all.

Yes he also loves Nascar and anything to do with American Muscle cars.

He can tell you everything you never wanted to know about both....lol

(when he is in the mood to talk)

OKGIRL · #14 (**permalink**) July 6th, 2012, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lhp

Thanks y'all.

Yes he also loves Nascar and anything to do with American Muscle cars.

He can tell you everything you never wanted to know about both....lol

(when he is in the mood to talk)

Linda......what a great honor for DJ.......he has become such a charming young man.....I'm always glad to see your family when we cruise together.....DJ has grown in confidence so much over the years.....I always feel so happy when he feels comfortable enough to approach me (usually at the Casino bar) and have a short conversation regarding what ever sport is being shown on the TV at the time.

His joy is infectious.....and he is a living lesson for all of us..........

lhp · #15 (**permalink**) July 6th, 2012, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OKGIRL

Linda......what a great honor for DJ.......he has become such a charming young man.....I'm always glad to see your family when we cruise together.....DJ has grown in confidence so much over the years.....I always feel so happy when he feels comfortable enough to approach me (usually at the Casino bar) and have a short conversation regarding what ever sport is being shown on the TV at the time.

His joy is infectious.....and he is a living lesson for all of us..........

Janey.... sports is one thing that will draw him into a conversation...but only with people he feels really comfortable with.

That says a lot about you. Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with him. You will never know how much joy you bring to him and to us!!