Thank God!!! I mean, really - THANK GOD!!!

Hi everyone - Well this morning - it happened. The scale stopped at 152 - so I've officially lost 100 lbs - 30 before surgery, 70 since! I'm so delighted that I COULD do cartwheels! - which is another amazing thing - I probably could actually do cartwheels! This is so cool! But - even better than that - my son turned 17 yesterday. It's been a very hard year for us - as he's been experimenting with drugs and trying to find himself in other ways. He basically lives with his Dad now (only about 2 miles from me), and I see him every now and then. Right now, he's doing a couple of "odd" things - not showering, boycotting deodorant, and sleeping outside. At 3 AM on Saturday, his Dad took him to the ER because he wouldn't come in from the rain. He tested negative (Praise God!) for drugs, but the doc thinks he might have some emotional issues. I personally believe he's suffering from depression. So my ex, his Dad, tells him that he's going in for a full psych eval. Freaked the kid out! Then he tells him that every "sane" person thinks there's something wrong with him. I finally caught up to my son Monday night and told him - no, he's not going to be sent to the "loony bin" - his words - not mine. I told him I loved him and would always be there for him. I asked if he would stop by the house for his birthday. He did, and we had the nicest time. I'm still crying about it, cuz it was such a nice visit. He was smiling and laughing, and it gave me such hope! We need to pursue the doc stuff to see if he needs something for depression (dd, 15, is on prozac and in counseling for her depression and doing really well!). But, yesterday, we had some "normal" and it was sweet. So - I stand on the word of God! Jeremiah 31:16Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. 17And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border. Thanks for your prayers for my kids, and I ask for you to continue praying! Praise the Lord for He is Good!!! So - today, I'm a happy camper! ~Carolyn in Petaluma CA 252/152/125

Carolyn...I am so happy for you with the 100lbs mark but even more grateful to the Lord for the hope for your son and daughter. I will be praying for you and your children. In His love, Joan

Thanks Joan!

How wonderful for you, Carolyn! Praise God for your relationship with your son! Praise God foryour weight loss! Praise God for your willingness to share! May you be blessed today, even as you have blessed me by sharing!

Thank you Raquelline!!!

Carolyn, I can empathize with your heartache. My son went through a very dark period around the same age. Husband moved out, son was experimenting wth drugs. Assure your son that he does not have to be hospitalized, unless he becomes a threat to himself or others. That should motivate him to want to take care of himself. Most insurance companies won't hospitalize unless the patient is self-destructive or suicidal. I am glad you were able to have a good visit on his birthday. That is so special. Hugs, Trish

Congratulations Carolyn are reaching that "100# lost forever mark"! God is abundantly good. His grace will see your family thru these cir****tances! luvitsunnyv

Can your heart smile? I feel like mine is after reading your post! I am so happy and proud for you for your weight loss. Keep up the good work! But...after hearing...or rather reading...all of your posts recently about your son...WOW now THAT is a reason to rejoice! Sounds like steps in the right direction. Continnuing to pray for you and your family! Love, Stephanie

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS!!! Savor every minute of what the Lord has blessed you with. Carolyn, I know from experience how it is to have a son on drugs and struggling to find his way. It can overshadow everything else in your life. I am so very happy to see how you have kept going with your goals in life inspite of what is going on around you. You are an inspiration. We are the most fortunate who are believers because of our hope in Christ. In love, Sandyd Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thanks you guys. It is great and life is sweet - but it's important for me not to rest on my laurels and to talk to my ex and my son about the next step - to get him to a doc to check for depression or anything else. Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement!!! ~Carolyn