's motd Sat Oct 2, 2010

[Guest guest]

ON THE WAY

HOME

Saturday, 02 October 2010

Well, it's early morning and the Carnival

Triumph has just docked in New Orleans. I can

see the steeple of St. Louis Cathedral rising above

the skyline of my hometown's French Quarter. Hey, why

are we back in New Orleans so soon? I mean, where did

the week go, huh? I can't believe it's over so soon!

I have so many warm memories

logged in my mind. But I have to tell you, I'm very

sad today. That's because I have to say so-long to

everyone who joined me to cruise...and lose!

And boy, did they ever lose! Before

everyone left their homes for the cruise, I asked them

to weigh themselves one last time. Now there's a

scale in the ship's gym and yesterday, so many people

went up to check their weight to see how well they'd

done this week. And I have to tell you, a lot of them

came down from checking their weight...in tears!

But wait, they were crying happy tears! They

came up to me with comments like...

", I lost six pounds this week!" Or,

", I got on the scale this morning and I

couldn't believe it. I'm under 200 pounds for the

first time in ten years!"

Hey, no wonder they were

crying tears of joy! And let me tell you, I rejoiced

right along with them because I saw how hard they all

worked this week. See, most people don't workout

everyday, seven days in a row. But my cruisers

did! A lot of them weren't eating healthy,

balanced meals at home. But they did just that during

our week at sea. I pray that everyone will continue

doing well, practicing everything they learned during

our cruise when they return home. Hey, they did it on

the ship...in spite of all the temptations. And now

they're going to have to do it when they step back on

land and return home today. I know they can and

they will!

After retrieving my luggage, I'll spend some time with

my brother, Lenny and his wife, . (Boy, did the

two of them ever have a good time with us this week.)

After my good-byes to them, I'll head for the

airport. I take a flight from New Orleans over to

Houston then change planes for my nonstop flight on

home into Los Angeles. I can't wait to pull up in

front of the house and run in to see my sweet Hattie

and . I will tell them all about my adventures

on the ship and the fantastic people I spent the week

with.

And I have to tell you

something. See, all of my Cruisers motivated me

to do better, too. All I have to do is close my eyes

and see the joy that shone through in all of their

faces. The memories of their hard work is going to

help keep me living the rest of my life in...Healthland!

Thank You God, so very much, for

this blessed mission you have given me.

Love,