Dear Master Chief:
When I signed up for Boot Camp, the commitments I agreed to, I knew in my mind were achievable. There was no doubt that I would complete the camp, there was no doubt I would monitor my eating and I was looking forward to challenge. What I didn't know at the time was how gratifying
this experience was going to be.

I knew a little bit about the camp from our daughter Linda, who had taken the camp before and as you know, is taking the second camp with us. The stories she shared during the first camp and her enthusiastic attitude should have been the first clue. Here was a girl who was seldom on time for work at 8:00am but was up and out of the house and showing up for an exercise class at 5:30 in the morning! That was an accomplishment. Now, not only was she on time, but also she was happy, smiling and relating the morning activities. An amazing phenomenon.

I have always been fortunate. Never really had any major complaints. Never had an eating disorder, never had bouts of depression. Never had any weight problem, other than the fact when I was a kid I was so skinny, even sideways it was hard to tell whether I was a girl or a boy. Never had any
mountains I couldn't get over, because you just learn to face obstacles head on and deal with them. My personal philosophy has always been when you start to complain you will find the man with no feet right behind you. Fortunately, I have had a wonderful partner to share the load.

But, Boot Camp - what an impact. Within the first week I knew this was going to be a very unique experience. The very first thing I noticed was that this was a level playing field. Everyone was there for himself or herself. It didn't matter that I was a little older, okay a lot older. I didn't feel uncomfortable. The competition was within myself, push a little harder, run a little further each time, never say never, never ever quit. It doesn't matter not being first, it only matters that you do your very best.

I love the calmness of the mornings. To look out over the city and see the lights, feel the cool breeze, watch the dawn approach, and listen to the birds in the trees. How wonderful to start the day this way. Secondly, I loved the people. Each and everyone had something to give. A laugh, a kindness, an encouragement and even a tear. As each week passed I felt closer to this group of people whose names I could not completely remember, but whose warmth was never missed. The results were amazing. By the third week I could see a difference in myself and I liked what I saw and how I felt. I could breath better and wasn't as dependent upon my inhaler. Although I always thought I was quite knowledgeable about food and metabolism, I was learning the exact correlation between them and how it actually worked. You must remember, you are looking at a mom who insisted upon three balanced meals a day and you should eat everything on your plate! Linda can attest to that. You see "you can teach an old dog a new trick".

And finally, Master Chief, you touch my heart. You have a quality about you that is hard to define. You see only the positive in people and you bring out only the positive in people. You have changed my life and that of my loved ones. You have shown me that "pain is, indeed, weakness leaving the body". You have give me the gift of ME. Boot Camp is the tool, you are the catalyst. You are the inspiration! As Renee said, "you are the hero".

Kindest personal regards,
Sandy Mills