He didn't know what to expect. The curtain opened on the historic Poncan Theatre stage and the Lion King production came to life before his big wide blue eyes. "What? Oh my gosh, wow!," he exclaimed as he climbed onto my lap for a better view. He was mesmerized--fully engaged. When Mufasa was killed by the stampeding wildebeests, he was sad, when it was hakuna matata time, he was happy and excited. Noah loved Lion King Jr. and it was an absolute pleasure to witness him enjoy it as much as he did.
I picked him up this afternoon for a Noah day. His mom (my youngest) is grieving the loss of Billie pretty hard, so it was good to get him and give Courtney some time and space. Noah, while trying to comfort his momma, was reminding her of everyone who loves her...so cute... "Po Po (that's me) loves you, Nana loves you, Da da loves you, Auntie loves you..." and on and on. He doesn't understand what's happened, all he knows is his mom is very sad right now.
We dined at Po Po's favorite Mexican restaurant after the play. It was a good meal and a good time with the little guy.
These are the moments, so important--the time with mom the other day, today with Noah--these experiences may not have ever happened without my weight loss. And if I were still a 500-pound man, I couldn't physically do it like I did it this weekend. I'm so grateful for a plan that keeps me well. It's a recovery plan I hold tightly with the highest reverence. It's never perfect, believe me, but it, by the grace of God, works for me right now, today.
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I exceeded my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with great support.
Noah's in bed--hopefully going to sleep. I have a really good friend here helping me with him. Believe me--I don't do it alone, for sure!
Noah let me wear his lion ears. He's the best. |
If you read last night's edition, you know about Billie, my ex-wife's little sister who passed away Saturday morning. She was in her late 30's with two little girls and a husband. I spoke with Scott, her husband, today and was pleased to know his sister was setting up a GoFundMe to help pay for Billie's final expenses. Pre-planning for things like that is rarely something thought about in our 30's. I know Scott, and he's one of the hardest working people I know--and he's doing everything he can. This GoFundMe account will help close the final expenses gap for this tragic and unexpected loss. No gift is too small. If you can, I know it would be appreciated.
It might seem strange to ask you to click the link and help this man and his daughters considering they're very likely strangers to you. You're just here to read this blog--and I appreciate that very much!!
I'll make you a deal: If you'll click the link and make a donation of any amount--then send me your shipping address via email to transformation.road@gmail.com, I'll send you a free paperback copy of Transformation Road-My Trip To Over 500 Pounds and Back. If you already own a copy, you might give it as a gift! Simply mention "donated via blog link" in the body or subject line of your email. Thank you! Here's the link:
https://www.gofundme.com/zq2cb-help-for-funeral-expenses
Today's Accountability Tweets:
2 cups water starts #morningdeal 20 push-ups & 20 squats finishes the fast and easy commitment before coffee.✅✅✅Done. Coffee X. pic.twitter.com/rmkUYGoytl— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 16, 2017
3 tbs half & half in the first cup, another 3 tbs half & half in a refill, soon. 120 cal. pic.twitter.com/alB8bEafE0— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 16, 2017
Breakfast in MyFitnessPal... pic.twitter.com/wTbTFVQIYF— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 16, 2017
Ezekiel toasts. 1 w/1oz crm cheese & 18g refined sugar-free peach all-fruit. 1 w/2 whl eggs&2 slices thin swiss. 194g cantaloupe. 544 cal. pic.twitter.com/FwzAOzrD9n— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 16, 2017
2 cup bottle of water during play. #wateraccountabilty pic.twitter.com/6e2VGqqnHz— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 16, 2017
Lunch out with my little-lion grandson after Lion King Jr.! He loved it! pic.twitter.com/DDAzyaQiwB— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 16, 2017
4 cups water with lunch meets today's #watergoal pic.twitter.com/U1JVIisxpk— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 16, 2017
Appetizer: 12 chips and fresh salsa 170 cal. pic.twitter.com/HA1Tb40YhM— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 16, 2017
Lunch in MyFitnessPal... pic.twitter.com/uHPUs1ZcI5— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 16, 2017
Chicken & Sour Cream Tacos w/approx.3tbs sour cream, approx.6oz chicken, lettuce, and approx.28g shredded white cheddar. 566 cal. pic.twitter.com/StZolyYVYR— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 16, 2017
My little Lion King... :) ❤️️him. pic.twitter.com/LirbAlGBvp— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 16, 2017
3 tbs half & half in this cup of dark roast. 60 cal. pic.twitter.com/rhzIsvOJL7— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 16, 2017
Dinner in MyFitnessPal. Not shown in screen shot: 392g watermelon. pic.twitter.com/jIZ6q7bDYB— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 17, 2017
1.5 cups water with dinner exceeds #watergoal pic.twitter.com/E61GNew1bm— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 17, 2017
Big Cheeseburger. 8oz 96% lean beef, 2.5oz mshrms, 62g red onion, 2 slices muenster, and plain mustard on Ezekiel. 392g watermelon. 728 cal. pic.twitter.com/U14bPQeSw5— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 17, 2017
211g watermelon & 65g black seedless grapes #lastfoodofday 112 cal. pic.twitter.com/YLZXc9NpzD— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) July 17, 2017
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Theater is a wonderful thing to start with kids. So glad you saw that show. I did not know they had a shorter version touring for kids, really great idea.
ReplyDeleteI have seen the full version twice and it is wonderful.
Theater seat trick for kids. We fold three thick bath towels and put them in a pillow case. No matter the narrowness of the seat, they fit, extremely comfortable, easy to carry.