Jon Stanton

OK, first an affadavit. I cannot possibly write about all of my friends, so if you fall into that elite group...lol...please don't feel bad if I don't write something specifically about you. All of my friends are very important to me, but I'm such a social animal, it would take dozens of blogs to cover them all!

There are a couple other friends I would like to mention before I write about my family, though. First, is my friend Grace. I've known Grace for quite a while, since she cuts and styles what's left of my hair. It's an increasingly difficult job, believe me! Grace and I have several mutual friends too, so we've done lots of things together - take cruises, go to movies/dinner, go to the haunted house, etc. Grace is another one of my "cheerleaders" though, and I'm so grateful for that. I'm also glad that through her business, she helps keep my hometown updated on what TV show or event I'm going to be on next. I've already promised her she can be my "stylist" when I really become famous...lol...and I'll even include her name in the "credits!" Thanks Grace, for always being one of my biggest fans!

Last, but certainly not least are my friends Brad and Dan. Brad is the Executive Director of the organization I work for (www.michiganfamily.org), so technically he's my boss, but I count him as a friend first. Dan is one of my co-workers.

My battle for weight-loss success would have been MUCH more difficult without the support of Brad and Dan. From the beginning, Brad has allowed me enough flexibility to take time during the day to walk - something that I personally think all employers should do for their employees who are trying lose weight. He's also been a constant source of encouragement and has also allowed me flexibility when I need to travel to be on TV or at some event. Brad - THANK YOU! I know I've told you that in person before, but really, from the bottom of my heart - THANK YOU for your support in helping me reach my goal.

Dan has also been very supportive. Not only has he encouraged me and helped me by answering the phone when I'm out walking...lol...Dan is a great sounding board. I've bounced all sorts of things off of him over the past year and a half, and one of the things I appreciate so much about him is that I know I will get an honest and practical response. If I truly want to know if something I'm considering is crazy or not, I ask Dan.

Most importantly of all, Brad and Dan are good, Christian brothers. They're also great husbands and dads, which is something I hope to be too...someday. I also know they pray for me, and I know prayer has been instrumental in my weight-loss success as well.

Friends are a vital component of successfully losing weight. Surround yourself with friends who will support your efforts and lean on them when you need support. That's what friends are for, right?