's motd Friday Feb 4, 2011 - Jack LaLanne's funeral

[Guest guest]

IN MEMORY OF

Friday, 04 February 2011

The minute I arrived at Forest

Lawn Cemetery for Jack Lalanne's memorial service, an

icy feeling came over me. I shared my cemetery story

with you yesterday and now, here I was, with

thousands of headstones in every direction, as far as

my eyes could see. And in fact, I actually passed a

couple of funeral services in progress, complete with

the casket being placed into the ground. Oh, I

thought I was going to faint!

But I pulled myself together and

said out loud, ", put your fears and

hang-ups aside. You're here for Jack and I want you

to make him proud!"

When I arrived at the Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn,

where Jack's memorial was being held, I took a deep

breath as I got out of the car. There were so many

members of the press on hand and cameras were

everywhere, recording the event. A number of

reporters stopped me to get my feelings on what Jack

Lalanne had meant to my life. After speaking to a few

of the reporters, I have to tell you, I felt like I

was standing in a puddle of my own tears. But once I

was done sharing my memories, I entered the building,

wanting to be with Jack's family.

That morning, I'd gotten a

beautiful pink rose to present to Jack's wife,

Elaine. She was so thankful but as she looked at me,

could tell that I'd been crying. She said to me, ",

please don't be upset. We all have to be strong for

Jack. You know that's what he'd want." I was

truly touched by Elaine's own strength.

I spent some quality time with her and Jack's three

children before the memorial got started. They told

me how very happy they were that I'd made time to join

them for the day. I told them that I had to

be there, it was important for me to say good-bye to

such a special friend in my life.

As I walked to my seat near the front of the chapel, I

saw so many familiar faces. Austin was there,

she'd appeared on Jack's show back in the early 80's.

Jake Steinfeld was there and I'm sure you know him

from Body By Jake fame. And wait, do you

know who they sat be smack in the middle of? Lou

Ferrigno, (Mr. Incredible Hulk, himself ),

and...the former Governor of California and The

Terminator, Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger. I

looked like a chopstick wearing an afro sitting

between the two of them!

There were also people sitting near me who'd trained

with Jack at Venice Beach. Venice Beach was often

known as "Muscle Beach" in Los Angeles. It's where

lots of bodybuilders worked out right by the ocean.

One by one, we went on stage to

talk about how Jack had played a role in shaping and

influencing our lives. When it was time for me to

take the stage, I was so nervous. I had no idea what

I was going to do or say. But when I got up to the

microphone, I asked for all of the lights to be turned

up so I could see everyone. Then I had the entire

audience of over 1,000 people reach their arms way

above their heads and do a big stretch, just like Jack

used to have us do on his morning exercise show.

I then spoke from the heart about my good friend, Jack

Lalanne. And as I talked about him, yes, my tears

began welling up again. I don't even remember all I

said but after my heartfelt words about Jack, I

returned to my seat. I was still a bit shaken after

those very emotional few minutes. Lou Ferrigno,

seeing I was still a little upset, reached over and

gave me an Incredible...HUG! I

thought that was so nice.

After the service was over, I stayed a while and

talked with some of the other guests who'd joined us

for the service. On the drive home, I thanked God

for letting me get though the service without

suffering a nervous breakdown. I was so glad to

have overcome my own phobia of cemeteries so I could

be there for Jack and spend some important time with

his family.

You know, I can really feel Jack

all around me today. All of the years I knew him, he

always had such a warm and astonishing presence. I

just know God has a special place for him in Heaven.

And I hope Jack puts in a good word with our Creator,

for me.

Love,