Not a WOW, but an Epiphany...

Epiphany - a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience. I went to the feed store yesterday to get a bag of dog food for our two "grandkids" - a pit bull & a mix.  Now these two can eat, so we get a 50-lb. bag that lasts a while.  When I got home, I backed up the SUV to the front door, slung the bag over my shoulder & took it in the house. When I reached the kitchen (their food bin is in the pantry), I suddenly stopped (with the bag still on my shoulder) & realized....  Hellen - YOU weigh almost 8X this bag of dog food!  No wonder you hurt when you walk, can't breathe, have trouble sleeping, don't fit in a car, etc., etc., etc.  Y'all know the drill. But by the grace of God, family and friends who support me, and the intervention of an appeals committee - that's going to change starting Wednesday, September 12th, 2007.   And I proclaim here & now to every person that reads this that I am going to have that date tattooed somewhere on my body when I get to goal!   Whatcha think, gang?!   or

 Definately, but you can always do a henna.  I've been trying to decide what to do for my two year surgiversary.  I've almost lost 3 of those food bag (129 pounds0    Helen, i can't wait to watch you grow healthier and therefore happier.  You definately had an angel sitting with that appeals committee who knew that WLS could help you so much.    You have made me realize how lucky i am to be a WLS grad.  Thank you so much for that mary

My youngest daughter (Heather, age 29, mother of 2!) saw my MySpace page (www.myspace.com/HellenRG) which has a list of "3 things" on it & one of them was get my belly-button pierced!  She said when I reached goal and felt comfortable enough, she would come here from Texas and personally take care of that for me... It's so nice to be loved - especially by your children!  So I'm thinking about circling the date around my belly-button with the piercing.   Of all the dreams to aim for!!   I know... I know...

Funny you shold say that but I told my youngest daughter (age 21) that after I lose my weight and have plastics that I want my belly button pierced! That is too funny! I am looking forward to showing off my belly (in a good way! lol)!

Hey, Karen!  There's a place across the street from Citadel Mall!  I wonder if they're any good?

WOW Hellen, you are going to love the losing side....not long now. I say try the Hennah first so you can experiment and find the perfect place....you never know what might come to mind...

That's a pretty good idea, Susie.  I'll check into it!

I hope we have a chance to meet one of these days, Hellen.  You are wonderful!

Well, I tell ya what!  I'll definitely be at MUSC on the 6th floor on Wednesday, September 12th, so you are MORE than welcome to come visit if you're close to Charleston!  The more the merrier!!!! {{Hugs}} Hellen

Hellen, I know what you mean about the food bags.  It's strange, isn't it, that when we gain or lose weight we are surprised at how much "weight" that is to carry around.  I am so excited about your surgery.  I know you are going to do great and are going to have such a wonderful time losing weight.  There are so many things to do as we get smaller in size...and so many more things we WANT to do.   I think it's great you want to get a tattoo of your new "rebirth" date.  I bet you won't wait till you're at goal though! 

Take care,

Susan