John, I have to tell you – have no fear – your child (or children) if you are so blessed, will come to you one day and say, “Thank you Dad – I appreciate all that you’ve sacrificed, Dad – and then those magical words – “I want to be like you, Dad.” What a wonderful blessing to hear these words.

We just got back Saturday from another great Carnival cruise, this time on the Carnival Triumph. Our cruise director was Jorge Solano, and he was terrific! One lady in our group watched the debarkation talk 3 times on the in-cabin TV because he was so funny when she saw it the first time in the lounge! (Now that’s a fan!) We also had an excellent maitre d’ – Jogi in the London dining room. This was my 11th Carnival cruise, 22nd overall, and he is the best maitre d’ I can remember. We went up to Canada and New England, and had a wonderful experience. I only had one small disappointment. It’s about the pins. I must have misunderstood, but I thought I had read on the blog that Platinum guests would be getting the ship pins. We did not get the pins, the fellow I asked at the “information desk” said they didn’t have any, and there were no pins of any description for sale in the gift shop. I hate to bother you, but I’m going to have to ask you (and or the good people who read the blog) for help.

John – PLEASE REPLY – Is there any way I can get a Triumph pin? I have quite a few pins in my collection, and I would be willing to trade for it. Or pay, whichever. I’ve been collecting pins since 1996, and I don’t even know how many I have in total. (I thought it would be a cheap hobby.) I have a few from every place I’ve been that sells them, and of course the pins from Carnival. The easiest Carnival pin for me to trade would be one from the Victory, since we’ve been on that ship 3 times. If you can help I’d be very grateful. Sorry to even bring it up. I did put it on the comment card, of course. Thanks for listening, as always. Oh, and you’re not selfish. Not in the slightest. The people who matter all know that.

Your friend,
Cheryl D.

My husband was in the military for 21 years and served his country in the best possible way he knew. Unfortunately that meant leaving his wife and three children at home, sometimes for a year at a time, while he was sent to Korea or Spain. He missed his family more than words could explain but also knew that what he was doing was important. He is now retired and his children are 20, 21 and 23. They may not have fully understood at the time why their father was gone a great portion of their youth but the time they were able to spend with him was precious and memorable, more than the day-to-day. I say all of this for one reason. You love your wife and daughter and the fact that it has recently caused you tremendous pain and pause speaks volumes about your character. You joke past the pain and fill each person’s life who comes in contact with you with a piece of your joy. Never doubt that you are a special person and you were placed on this earth to make others happy. If you were supposed to be home every day you wouldn’t have the abilities you have to make others laugh. You are a true gentleman and are loved by those who have not even met you other than in your blog thingy. Bravo, John!!!!!!!

Now, I need a favor. Yes that’s right. I’m going to ruin everything I said above with a request. My mother will be cruising with my husband and I on November 8-15, 2009, on the marvelous Carnival Conquest. I want this to be the best vacation she has ever had. I don’t care what you do, but if you could send something to her cabin, I would be FOREVER in your debt. Even a photo of you in your underwear would be okay, although you might end up having a stalker. She likes fluffy men!!!!!!

Here is her information:
June Wharton
1428

Thank you in advance for anything you do and even if you can’t, Thank you!!!!!!!!!

I just wanted to say what a huge fan I am of your blog, and in the time I have been following it, I have decided you are an extremely funny, sensitive, caring family man (you blushing yet?) you have this natural ability to make people laugh, you are so in the right job, your family sound wonderful and obviously adore you. I think I am not alone in feeling miffed at whoever suggested you should feel guilty. What b*llocks (as you would say!) How miserable would you be, sat behind a desk albeit closer to home, and how long would it be before you really started getting on your wife’s nerves as you were like a fish out of water? No John, you stick to what you’re ace at. I am an ex-sea farer myself (P&O) and boy do I miss the life. So glad I lived it though (6 years) and relish living it through the eyes of people like you. Take care and keep blogging, you really are FAB!! Kind regards
Marina