back in Toledo

I came back home yesterday. For those who do not know I was in Pittsburgh for Lori's surgery. She was doing ok when I left. Everyday she was doing better. This trip was a nice, emotional trip. I saw almost everyone I wanted to see. I saw my family and for most it is the first time since surgery. Of course I wanted them to say I was improving or something positive and for the most part that did not happen. The friends I saw were good for the compliments. Leaving to come back to Ohio, I was sad because of all the people that still care about me in Pittsburgh. I miss them when I am not there. I was there for 2 weeks and lost 14 pounds. I did not eat as much as usual and this probably why. In a few days, it will be 9 months since I had surgery. I can not believe it was that long ago. you all have a nice day Erin

Dear Erin....please don't take this wrong...but you are toooo pretty and tooooo special to always seem so sad!!! You have done an incredible job with your surgery, your pictures are amazing!!! I just want you to know that I think that you are doing great. The only person who needs to be proud and supportive of what you are doing is you!!! The most special person in the world to you is the one *****flects you in the mirror. I just want yo to know all of this. I often read your posts, and I understand the saddness of no jobs, and not getting the support we want...but I want you to know that you are INCREDIBLE... You have a heart and soul that I have seen shared by many in this room. You have supported many in here, been a friend to many...and I want you to know that you are special!!!

I want to thank you so much for your response to my post. I know all you have said, but sometimes I need reminded of these things. Thank you. I am very proud of my progress so far. I just don't often talk about my positives because I do not want anyone to think I am better than they are. I am just me. I do the best that I can. I start a job next week. I have lost 169 pounds in about 9 months and it has been amazing for me. I need to work on being sad about things, but that can be hard sometimes.

169 POUNDS!!! Honey, you ROCK!!!! That is amazing!!! And a new job...details??? All good things come to those who wait...they say, but all better things come to those who wait and wait and wait...lol!!!! You need to be proud of what you have accomplished. The world is so full of people willing to put one another down...we have to be the first to bring ourselves up!!! Toot your horn...ring your bell.... If you don't tell us to be happy and proud for you...we won't think you are for yourself... LOTS OF HUGS...and support for your incredible... INCREDIBLE good fortune!!! Where are the new photos???

I got a job in a bank in the sorting department. the pay is ok, but i can make more depeneding on my work. I figured that once I get my bachelor's degree, i can maybe work my way into a better paying position. new photos will be on later this week. i am hoping thursday. I will make sure to post an update as soon as i put them on. i can tell you are an awesome person as well and i am so happy u have responded to my post

Erin - Couldn't have said it any better than Daniel. You have always been here to provide words of encouragment for me and as I've seen your transformation I've been continually inspired! Not to mention that you are consistently here and ready to support everyone on this board - I appreciate that. So - congratulations and thanks for being here! Steve