O..M...G...that man is HOTTTTTT!!! Janice

Wow Peg, Once again I am humbled by your increadible attitude toward life. You have hit it on the head. I have a saying in my own life, "Learn to enjoy the simple things because sometimes that's all you get...a most of the time its all you need". Singing songs of praise...Never will I take that for granted again. I'm running tonight and will think of you my friend! Rachel

Hello Rachel, my very lovely friend, I am also so saddened by John's death. It's a risk that we all have taken but he was so special it does seem extra hard. A gentle soul he was. You've gotten such good answers to this question. Of course regaining my health is the largest piece of this. I had severe asthma which has become a distant memory - the waking 2-3 times a night, the emergency inhalers, the hospitalization not knowing if I'd make it or not, the medications just to be able to breathe. Not being able to walk a block, or do anything without wheezing and huffing and puffing. No hypertension anymore either. Being able to exercise is a great gain. Being pain-free most of the time. Not perfect as there is no way to reverse some of the things we have done to our bodies. And being able to wear petite clothing again. And most of the time a size 4 Petite. Some 2s - some 6s. Aren't women's clothing sizes weird? I love it - no more hems on everything I buy! Being able to shop in real stores and enjoy trying clothes on instead of those dressing room agonies and tears. I haven't gained a life - I had one prior to surgery and it was a good one in many ways. I'm in a loving relationship, mentally and politically active. I'm just able to do so much more and feel that I'll be around on this planet for a much longer time. And - I have gained the ability to give back the support that I have received from others. Thanks for asking this question. Be well, Ruth

Hi Rachel. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. Thanks for the thought-provoking question. I'm glad that you are living your life to the fullest. For me, I have come to realize how much I truly want to ....not the life I led at 281 lbs., but the life God meant for me to live. I got a taste of how much there is to enjoy after my first surgery when I lost 60-70 lbs. I'm still food addicted, but I am working on it after my second surgery. I appreciate every day. I have had the rare opportunity of discovering how much my friends and family love me. Having come through two very difficult surgeries, I now know who my true friends are, and I don't waste any time telling them how much I love them. Life is too short to hold grudges or to stay angry with someone. It is also too short to waste my time doing something I really don't want to do. My husband asked me tonight what I want to do with the rest of my life. Here is what I told him: 1. I want to be able to lead the worship service again at church. (singing songs of praise). 2. I want to see my second son settled in a permanent relationship. 3. I want to be able to play with my grandchildren. 4. I want to be able to spend time with my husband....traveling, fishing, hiking, having fun....pretty basic things, but that is what life is all about...the basic things in life. So what have I gained? A true appreciation for life and for family and friends. You take care, and run one for me! Peg

Wow Lara, Thank you for the thoughtful response. And yeah, it totally makes sense. And no, this journey isn't easy, but its so nice to have options and choices for the first time...isn't it? Yes training is hard, but the choice to do it wasn't there a year and 1/2 ago. Yeah to us for chosing health. I wish you well in you thankless job...one step at a time. Rachel