Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald often shares stories from his real life.
Many of his social media fans followed his mother’s final days and got to share their condolences when she finally passed. The same was true when Heald’s dog, who was a bit of a side player on his Facebook page, died as well.
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Heald does not share everything about his personal life, but his wife and daughter are characters in his story, and he often uses personal examples. The Brand Ambassador also mixes humor into his work so often that it’s sometimes hard to know when he’s exaggerating for self-deprecating effect.
His post on the eve of Valentine’s Day showed both sides of Heald’s personality, his humor, and his tremendous heart.
“Now some of you may think that I am a cruel husband to be doing this but hear me out. First of all Valentine’s Day has never been a big thing for me,” he wrote. “This may have something to do with that the fact that I never received a Valentine’s card. Yep, our postman (mailman) certainly didn’t have to worry about hurting his back by carrying his sack filled with my Valentine’s Day cards. February 14th was proof positive that I was an ugly sod and about an attractive proposition to the girls as a cat’s litter tray.”
That’s typical Heald running himself down but it sets the stage for something more serious.
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Image source: John Heald/Facebook
Carnival’s Heald shares a heartfelt story
After mocking himself, Heald’s post took a darker turn.
“Then, later in life, February 14th became a sad day as it was the day when, on the Carnival Glory, I received a message from a beard in the office to call him. So I did, and as the ship was pulling into Belize and to start the tender operation, I was telling my wife Heidi that her Dad had passed away suddenly, and far too young,” he shared.
That has changed the holiday for Heald and his family.
“So February 14th has since been in remembrance of Heidi’s dad and not Saint Valentine,” he added.
Grace Erickson shared in Heald’s pain with her own emotional Valentine’s Day story.
“Valentine’s Day was my daughter’s birthday. I definitely avoid it now. She was killed in an awful rollover crash while driving to an out-of-state wedding,” she posted. “We almost lost her husband as well as 4 and 5-year-old granddaughters.”
Cheryl Pike Everhart shared a happier reason why Valentine’s Day is different for her family.
“February 14 is a special day also because it’s my mama’s birthday, and we always celebrate it with our family. She would be 99 if she were still with us. We will still celebrate it though,” she shared.
Carnival plans special Valentine’s Day events
While Heald may spend the holiday honoring his father-in-law, Carnival has multiple events that celebrate love.
“This year on the ships, we will again be holding the Special Marriage Renewal ceremony, and I know this will be so popular and a wonderful way to celebrate together,” he shared.
Carnival also has a second Valentine’s Day event.
“There is also another event on the ships that have a Steakhouse. This takes the form of a special lunch, which is booked and paid for on board and will be served today or on the 14th, depending on whether the ship has a sea day or port day. It really is a brilliant lunch, served as always by the wonderful Steakhouse crew,” he added.
Heald did not share the cost of the Valentine’s Day lunch and it may vary by ship.
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