My Wonderful Support System

I know you have heard me talk about my close knit neighbors. They are such a special bunch of people. Before I had my surgery-they planned a dinner for me and gave me a GC to get a manicure and pedicure. After my surgery-there have been two girls who have gone walking with me every day and encouraging me. Tonight we had our annual Christmas Party...there were 12 couples...everyone was standing around my table...I started to get up and mingle...and one of them brought out three dozen of the most beautiful roses I have ever seen. My friend told me how pround they were of me and how wonderful I looked... I just started crying--this wonderful display of affection and support was unbelievable! I was so overwhelmed...I have the best neighbors in the entire world. I felt like Miss America! I can definitely attribute lots of my success to the support I have received. Thanks for listening its 2:30am..and I am beat! Hugs- Joanie

That is so wonderful, Joanie. You deserve it so much, and to have that positive support is invaluable. Love, Tammy

What a wonderful group of friends Joanie. That is great. I bet you felt like Miss America. You deserved everyone of those roses for all you have accomplished. Not to mention the support you give to others. Hugs, Maggie

Thank you for the kind words Maggie!! This has been a great weekend...kicking up the protein this week has really helped...the scale is moving again-- I am donw 70#!! Hugs, Joanie

I read your story and it is so inspiring. I had my surgery 9/3/04 and weighed in at 251. I am now 187 but one day is up a pound one day down a pound. But when it is going down it is such a high huh?

Joanie, AAAW you deserve it! What a great neighborhood. Any houses for sale there? Congrats on your success! Your pic looks awesome! JA

I am so very proud of you and so should u be. They are a very special group of people. Your Blessed so much. You deserve to feel like Miss America. Your our own Miss America and we love you. Keep us updated hun. Hope you all had a great weekend. I went with my church today with the youth group Christmas Carolling and we had a blast. Going all over town to homes where the people couldnt het out due to illness or whatever other reasons,,,I Loved it so much. Was so sweet to see all the smiles we made happen. Definitly will need to do this a few times next year.I want to try and get a group of people together next weekend so if there are any takers let me know ... ~Julie~

Thanks Julie. You are so sweet! What a wonderful feeling that must be to be making others smile this Christmas! What a great thing you are doing. Love, Joanie

Joanie, You are so lucky to have such a great support in your neighborhood. Most of us barely talk to our neighbors yet yours are like family. No wonder you are so successful! Carmen