So I went to a meeting 5 years ago today and...

It was a Barix post-op meeting on the 3rd Wednesday led by Tom Tyler. I was 5 months out from RNY with Dr. Alan Brader, feeling good and doing better. After a bout with pneumonia at 3 months out I was back on track with my nutrition and exercise. Like most of us newbies, at the time, I was on the Obesity Help PA messageboard daily to give and receive support. I remember starting to see posts and replies from "Lookin Tashrink" that summer. I remember the help, support and generosity "she" provided and today was the day of her surgery with Dr. Brader. That night, September 21st, 2005, many of us decided to go up to 2 West and visit "her" after the meeting. There were many friends there to meet "Lookin TaShrink" and her husband Jim. For many, including myself, is was the very first time. I think Jim was a bit overwhelmed at first by so many visitors. I believe in time, he got over all of that. "Lookin Tashrink" had the usual loopyness and discomfort but she was walking around the floor spending time with us and wanting everyone to sign her book so she could remember all that were there. This day was indeed a turning point for her as it has shown to be for so many of us, but no one could predict what would come and how that day at Barix would blossom.  

Countless examples of sharing, caring and support have occurred over these 5 years. "LookinTashrink" aka Shauna Dhoble has been at the heart of so many of these times. She's been at the center of so many of our good times with forward-thinking ideas, (Support Group meetings at her home in Harleysville, The PA Pilgrimage, Personal Support Groups, Barix post-op co-leader with Dave Allen, Leading the leaders on 1st Saturdays at Barix, just to name a few).  

She coined the term "successing" a few years ago and we've been using it ever since.   On this day, September 21st, 2010, I'd like to honor your friend and mine, ShaunainHarleysville for all that she has given and all that she is.  

Lovingly,  

DenDen  
 

Shauna is of the few people here that really understood what I had gone through and still dealing with... Love ya to pieces girl!!!  HUGS!

Go Shauna!!!! 

Keep on successing!!!!

Miss you and love you

Shauna spoke at my first couple of support group meetings....the topics I remember so well were deprivation and following the rules.

She has, I'm sure, no idea how much she has influenced people for good!

Shauna,
What can I say? i wish I was type A personality like you. I want to be just like you when I grow up! LOL but seriously you have given me so much wisdom over the years I don't even know where to begin. You have so much on your plate and you still keep on truckin'.  Thank you for wiping my tears and encouraging on days when I did not believe in myself. Love Ya!

Congratulations, Shauna!!! 

Congratulations Shauna

We LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gene & Ida

Happy 5 years.  Hope you are doing better and feeling up to getting around.  We all love you.

Miss seeing you and also commend you for your walk with us and pray each day for your health...

I know it's been a week, but I can't type on my own with my hands and the way RSD is affecting me at this point.  I just had to have some patience till my mom got here to type for me.  I am so honored with all of your words and thoughts.  I am only lucky to have had the time with all of YOU over the last five years, and miss you all so much in my daily life since this medical issue came into play.  With some surgical interventions over the next couple of months, I hope to return on some level to our community.  I am truly counting the minutes; you can believe it!
I love you all and pray for your continued successing.  It's an everyday battle between love and hate, accepting and exception, grabbing and pushing, asking and listening...but most of all it's about YOU and ME as individuals, trying to make sense of eachother.  Make sure you stay close to your community and love each other.
Love to each of you and thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Shauna