14. One of the best times of Erin’s and my life was when we took a trip to St. Martin in the Carribean. It was sort of a delayed honeymoon for us, a couple years after we got married, and the first big vacation we’d ever taken like that. My parents gifted us the use of a timeshare they had and we spent 9 days there not too long after we moved to Chicago. Words can’t describe how amazing our time there was. We mostly just played it by ear, doing whatever felt right at the time and staying relaxed and spontaneous. We rented a 4-wheeler and drove it all over the island, stopping at cool spots to go snorkeling. We went to a Carnivale parade in the city. We went on a horseback ride to watch the sunset and roast marshmallows, following by riding on the beach at night. Most of the time, though, we spent on the beach. There was this little beach just a couple-minute walk from our hotel called Cupecoy Cove, and it was secluded and surrounded by rock cliffs. The sand was pristine, the water was warm and clear, and it was absolutely perfect. It was a nude beach and Erin and I spent the majority of those 9 days lying on that beach, completely naked and drinking beers from a bucket of ice. When she did have to put clothes on, usually she wore her bikini with a light sundress that she’d bought there on the island. This is that dress and I love it because it helps me to remember how free and beautiful and happy she was during this trip. There’s also a shot glass, one of two that we bought while we were there.
What a beautiful way to honor Erin on her birthday. Thank you for continuing to keep her spirit alive and always sharing your love for her. Your words are genuine and thoughtful, something she always appreciated. The coffee mugs were a Christmas gift from me, with the thought you guys would each have one. She could not wait to use them, Lol. The pure vulgarity alone was enough to make that mug her favorite! Love you Aaron, I think of you, and her every day. -Jen
Thank you, Jen! I thought they were a gift and I’m happy to know they were from you. I’m keeping her vulgarity alive and still using that mug these days. I love and think about you, too, and I know that she lives on in your heart, so thank you for keeping her spirit alive, as well.