Two months after finding FA, I went on a Caribbean cruise with some women from an organization to which I belong. The trip had been planned many months before I came into FA.

With great trepidation, and a determination to remain abstinent, I walked up the gangplank not really sure that it was possible to cruise and be abstinent. My sponsor had assured me that this was not only possible, but that I’d have a good time. Still, I wasn’t so sure.

I was anxious as we entered the ship’s buffet for our first meal on board. I really wanted to protect what I’d found in FA. I did a lot of walking, trying to assess exactly where “my food” was located. I found, with great relief, that appropriate food was everywhere, albeit sprinkled throughout this cavernous room from one end to the other.

For one evening meal near the end of the cruise, a themed party was held around one of the ship’s pools.  Food stations were situated around the perimeter of the pool area. Tables and chairs were everywhere. As always, not everything I needed could be found at one station, or, for that matter, in the pool area at all. I got a plate and began my trek. I brought a portion of my meal back to the table, put it down, and left the area entirely to search inside, at the buffet, for the rest of my meal.

Finally I was seated and ready to eat. Others at the table were nearly finished when I began my meal. The topic around the table was, not surprisingly, dieting, diet plans, and programs. One or two of the women knew I was doing “something” about my diet and quickly and quizzically surveyed my multiple plates of food. As the conversations continued, one of the older women gave me a knowing gaze, sympathetically reached over, patted my hand, and said, “That’s okay, dear. Don’t be discouraged. You can get back on your diet when you get home.”

P.S.  I did very well maintaining my abstinence on this cruise and it was a great experience. I now have almost three years of abstinence and am 77 pounds from my highest weight of 197, at 5′ 1½ ” tall!