AH, LIFE

Good morning, dear friends. I so wish we could find a way to get together even for just a day. Hey, with what we've all accomplished anything is possible, right? I am so in this with all of you and share every bit of the triumphs and the let-downs -- but no defeats! No matter what, we are not defeated...if we slip and slide a little bit, we must view that as an opportunity to learn and grow. No failures with this group, no way! Just wanted to share a couple of things. My insurance has APPROVED the maxoplexy (breast lift)! Yeah! Seems my photos of the rashes were pretty convincing and they approved it even though it is not a "covered" procedure with my coverage. I am going to try to convince my plastic surgeon to do both procedures -- abdominoplasty and BL on 7/5 -- he has advised against it because of the hernia repair work that needs to be done, he says it's too much for me to take on in one fell swoop -- I'm thinking I'm going to be in incredible pain anyway, why not do it all at the same time? Has anyone done this yet, both procedures at once? Otherwise, I got up in front of an audience and sang my heart out last Friday. The greatest moment of the evening was when my 11 year old son, Devin, came backstage right before I went on, looked at me in my glamour outfit and said, "Mom, you look beautiful." Can you imagine? Oh, it felt so good to sing again! I am also performing at a benefit at the end of June and will be singing a number from the musical Hairspray called, "I Know Where I've Been" -- I can't tell you how meaningful those lyrics are to me. I will try to get a photo of me in my size 10 floor-length beaded gown -- halter top, no sleeves -- and I don't care what it looks like! -- and will try to post it for you. Otherwise, Jim and I are seeing a therapist together, and I'm working individually on my weight/food stuff -- it's helping! Listen, embrace your new life and your accomplishments -- AND your challenges -- today. LIVE A PASSIONATE AND TRUTHFUL LIFE...and everything else simply falls into place. I love you guys, truly...Reenie

i would love to see the pic of you in the gown,reenie!!! i am not familiar with the lyrics from that song-can you send a link to them- i am a lyrics person in that i really relate to certain songs as my life changes !!!!!

Here are the lyrics to the song, folks, hope it lifts you up today! THERE'S A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS; THOUGH THE NIGHT IS BLACK AS A SIN THERE'S A LIGHT BURNING BRIGHT SHOWING ME THE WAY -- BUT I KNOW WHERE I'VE BEEN THERE'S A CRY IN THE DISTANCE; IT'S A VOICE THAT COMES FROM DEEP WITHIN IT'S A CRY ASKING WHY, OH, THE ANSWER'S UP AHEAD -- CUZ I KNOW WHERE I'VE BEEN THERE'S A ROAD WE MUST TRAVEL; WE'VE LOST MANY ALONG THE WAY BUT THE RICHES WILL BE PLENTY, WORTH THE PRICE, THE PRICE WE'LL HAVE TO PAY THERE'S A DREAM IN OUR FUTURE; THERE'S A STRUGGLE WE HAVE YET TO WIN BUT THIS PRIDE IN MY HEART TELLS ME I KNOW WHERE I'M GOING! CUZ I KNOW, YES I KNOW WHERE I'VE BEEN! [Refrain] THERE'S A DREAM IN OUR FUTURE; THERE'S A PROMISE WE WILL HAVE TO MAKE BUT THERE'S PRIDE IN OUR HEARTS TO LIFT US UP TO TOMORROW! CUZ IF WE LAY DOWN, WE CANNOT WIN LORD KNOWS, I KNOW.....!! WHERE I'VE BEEN!

Go, Reenie! Hugs, Connie

awesome news reenie! YOU BETTER GET THAT PICTURE AVAILABLE FOR US! my sister had TT/hernia repair/arms done all at once. her hernia ended up not being a hernia tho, she said it was HORRIBLE! only because she couldn't get up using her arms or stomach...her Dh basically hauled her around by the BUTT for 3 weeks! LOL she is in heated discussion with her insurance now for the back, legs, butt stuff! SING YOUR HEART OUT that is a great song! WOOHOO! Nic 291/161/150

Knock 'em dead, My Friend.......You're my inspiration!!! Big Hugs... Mike

You go, girlie!!! I can't wait to see the picture...you're going to look GORGEOUS!!! I think more of us should understand the concept that we are still "works in progress" and we should pat ourselves on the back for how far we've come. I wish I could get the surgery...but in all honesty...I have no rashes and no pockets of skin...my skin bounced back pretty much, except for a little tummy. I don't know how that happened after seeing pictures of others and reading about rashes and stuff. My breasts are small and I do ok with a push up bra. I have no bat wings either....I'm not sure how that happened, but the skin actually went back. I'd love to have the little tummy done, but no insurance company in the world would approve it. I wish you loads of luck and joy...and don't forget to post that picture. We're all proud of you! Joan

Reenie, I also can't wait to see "the new you" in the sequence halter dress. I bet you are stunning in it. Good luck with the PS and of course, as always let us know how you are doing. Love ya, Leslie

Reenie, Where's the pic. Sounds wonderful & the song is great. I have printed it. Great words for us to remember daily. Thanks Marilyn, the Bearlady