An incredible showing of compassion and caring for my wife-RC Aruba
Sep 3, 2016, 5:00 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,470
An incredible showing of compassion and caring for my wife-RC Aruba
Not really a trip report. We are here the better part of a week celebrating and resting as my wife completed chemo for breast cancer. She's cancer free but worn out.
(I added this to the ongoing about Vicky Omni thread, but not everyone sees that.)
Our stay has been fabulous. Upgraded to a 1BR Exec suite. I added club access-fantastic. RC top care all of the way around.
Today went over the top for me-you care for my wife, kids, or grandkids. You get the world from me. Today, Sabine at the RC did.
She knew why we were here and doted on Vicky. Today, a cryptic phone call to show up at the towel hut at 6pm. No idea why.
She showed up with 10 pink balloons each with a word tired to it that might express an emotion felt in the past 8 months.
Anger
Depression
Sadness
Pain
Fear
Stress
and more
As Vicky released the balloons she was letting go of the past. Ironically the balloons became tangled during the process. Very symbolic of our experience. However we got them all untangled.
She also gave us a lovely card. Tears were flowing.
Incredibly thoughtful.
(I added this to the ongoing about Vicky Omni thread, but not everyone sees that.)
Our stay has been fabulous. Upgraded to a 1BR Exec suite. I added club access-fantastic. RC top care all of the way around.
Today went over the top for me-you care for my wife, kids, or grandkids. You get the world from me. Today, Sabine at the RC did.
She knew why we were here and doted on Vicky. Today, a cryptic phone call to show up at the towel hut at 6pm. No idea why.
She showed up with 10 pink balloons each with a word tired to it that might express an emotion felt in the past 8 months.
Anger
Depression
Sadness
Pain
Fear
Stress
and more
As Vicky released the balloons she was letting go of the past. Ironically the balloons became tangled during the process. Very symbolic of our experience. However we got them all untangled.
She also gave us a lovely card. Tears were flowing.
Incredibly thoughtful.
Sep 3, 2016, 5:03 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2010
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Posts: 5,120
Fantastic and I hope that your Wife continues with the recovery process to enjoy life to the full.
Sep 3, 2016, 6:34 pm
#3
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I was just coming to post a link from Omni (saying that only Omni-enabled folk would be able to view it) showing the above. So glad MrVker posted it here so that everyone could enjoy it. And for those who are Omni-enabled, read the entire thread in Omni. Not only a testament to MrVker & MrsVker, but a testament to FTers & their support as well.
Well done for the property & best wishes for the Vkers.
Cheers.
Well done for the property & best wishes for the Vkers.
Cheers.
Sep 3, 2016, 6:46 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,470
I was just coming to post a link from Omni (saying that only Omni-enabled folk would be able to view it) showing the above. So glad MrVker posted it here so that everyone could enjoy it. And for those who are Omni-enabled, read the entire thread in Omni. Not only a testament to MrVker & MrsVker, but a testament to FTers & their support as well.
Well done for the property & best wishes for the Vkers.
Cheers.
Well done for the property & best wishes for the Vkers.
Cheers.
Last edited by Mr. Vker; Sep 3, 2016 at 9:11 pm
Sep 3, 2016, 7:10 pm
#5
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LOL.... (and you're right - FTers are so supportive of other FTers when the chips are down).I'm glad the RC Aruba has treated you & MrsVker so well. Enjoy the rest of your stay, and best wishes for the next phase of her recovery.
Cheers.
Sep 3, 2016, 9:12 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
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I think you meant to say the support from FT community has been incredible. Your post could go either way w/ the 'beenot' LOL.... (and you're right - FTers are so supportive of other FTers when the chips are down).
I'm glad the RC Aruba has treated you & MrsVker so well. Enjoy the rest of your stay, and best wishes for the next phase of her recovery.
Cheers.
LOL.... (and you're right - FTers are so supportive of other FTers when the chips are down).I'm glad the RC Aruba has treated you & MrsVker so well. Enjoy the rest of your stay, and best wishes for the next phase of her recovery.
Cheers.
Sep 4, 2016, 2:51 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Redondo Beach, CA USA
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That's awesome--thanks for sharing.
Sep 4, 2016, 6:53 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: EWR
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Mr Vker, I am more of a lurker than a poster 
but "know" you well from FT. I wish your wife well and am so very happy that you had such a very awesome experience. Best of everything to the Vker family. xoxo
but "know" you well from FT. I wish your wife well and am so very happy that you had such a very awesome experience. Best of everything to the Vker family. xoxo
Sep 4, 2016, 8:21 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: YUL
Posts: 1,006
That is beautiful.
Very glad your wife is well on her way to health, and normal life resuming.
Very glad your wife is well on her way to health, and normal life resuming.
Sep 5, 2016, 2:46 am
#10
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Just want to say I'm so happy for Ms. Vker! It must have been really hard for both of you. A friend of mine have just gone through the same thing and thank God that she is now cancer free!
Incredible Front desk agent at the RC!
Incredible Front desk agent at the RC!
Sep 5, 2016, 5:27 am
#11
Join Date: Jul 2011
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Posts: 2,134
Wonderful post! Thanks for sharing!
Sep 5, 2016, 1:02 pm
#12
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What a brilliant thing to do.
Sep 5, 2016, 3:54 pm
#13
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Follow up
I saw Sabine in the lobby today. She gave us a hug and said goodbye as we wouldn't see her tomorrow. Turns out she's here for 6 months on a college program. She's studying hotel mgmt in the Netherlands.
She said all management had a ceremony for her today. Providing a "first class card" that acknowledged her exceptional service.
I am glad they took care of her. The industry is lucKY to have her.
I saw Sabine in the lobby today. She gave us a hug and said goodbye as we wouldn't see her tomorrow. Turns out she's here for 6 months on a college program. She's studying hotel mgmt in the Netherlands.
She said all management had a ceremony for her today. Providing a "first class card" that acknowledged her exceptional service.
I am glad they took care of her. The industry is lucKY to have her.
Sep 6, 2016, 12:03 pm
#14
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SFO, SJC
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Posts: 588
What a wonderful trip experience for you and your wife! Thank you for sharing.
We hear alot about what "doesn't work" with airlines, hotels and car rentals. What does work is when individual employees step outside of the corporate mandated minimum customer "service" to make your trip a true customer "experience".
Our best wishes to you both!
We hear alot about what "doesn't work" with airlines, hotels and car rentals. What does work is when individual employees step outside of the corporate mandated minimum customer "service" to make your trip a true customer "experience".
Our best wishes to you both!
Sep 7, 2016, 10:56 am
#15
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Northern Virginia
Programs: Marriott Plat, United Plat
Posts: 34
Great story. Having stayed at this property, and experienced their hospitality, I'm not surprised. While Sabine may not be there if/when you return, the staff that is will greet you like family.
Best wishes to your wife and your entire family. You picked the ideal place to recharge.
Best wishes to your wife and your entire family. You picked the ideal place to recharge.