An Ode to St Thomas

Dear Shaina, 

If your going to remember the V.I. for anything, remember it for the good people you met along the way, like Beni, Eric, Rasta Gavin, Ron-Bella-and Carlo at Rj's coffee. Kevin the Frenchi and Nigel. Good, sweet Nigel. 

Remember it for the friends that cahnged your life, Joel, Kameron, Jake and Charles. 

And the friends that had your back. Devin, Fern, Thomas, Egon, Deshaun and Elliot. 

Remember it for those that taught you lessons and reminded you of what you'd stand for, and what you won't. Tyler, Chris, Rocky, Gabriel, Jeremey, Heather, Lindy, Jason, and Chris (2)

Remember it for the strangers you exchanged good mornings with, all the conversations in passing, the ones that took the time to pick you up on Solberg Hill, for the good samaritans that literally saved you so many countless times. 

Remember the way you felt when you beat the sun to town and you could sit with Coffee in hand, watching it set the sky ablaze as you welcomes each other. 

Remember the way you could see your toes through the top of the sea, the colors of Tropical Fish, the taste of Salt on your lips as the ocean dances around you. 

Remember the smiles and the waves as you walked down the waterfront, those of friends and familar faces.

Remember the Pate's and Christmas lights in the park. The sway of the Ferry beneath your feet. The December wind and cold nights. 

Remember all those nights alone, with Marley-phones, singing at the top of your lungs and unabashed Dancing. 

Remember how the sand felt between your toes and the way the salt water left your hands sticky. 

Remember every little good deed you ever gave away and every time they were awarded back to you. 

The colors. The smells. The language. 

The Laughter in Theaters. Fruit and Coconut Milk stands. 

Driving on the Left. Looking Right. 

Nidal's and Pueblo. Gypsy Taxis's. Johnson. 

Remember the view on Bon Resolution and the way you felt on Dorthea Bay. 

Hold on to every mistake you made, but release the shame and the pain. 

Hold on to every memory you made alone, or together. 

Remember this last Hoorah with every ounce of Gratitude and Sincere Love you can. 

Tomorrow comes to quickly and soon enough all these months will be a blur. Your memory will betray you in ways, as moments and people start to fade. 

But hold on to the way this all made you feel. And never forget the faces brought in to your life on St Thomas. 

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You are all forever in my heart. 

And St Thomas will forever be, another place I called home and found Love. 

-Elska