I am 6 months old today....
Today I am six months old because my new life began then. I am now 6 months out of surgery and I can't believe the changes in my life. I have had so many WOW moments that I can't list all of them here. I can walk into Menards now and go through the turnstyle without turning sideways, I can cross my legs and my leg even dangles, I can go into a store and walk and walk and walk and not have to use a cart like I did before. I can buy clothes in the misses department and not the womens. I can bend over and get things off the floor with no problem and I can fit in a movie seat and have room left over on each side of me. I can look at a picture of me and ask who that is because she isn't a fat lady anymore. I could go on and on and on. I am at a loss for words for what all of you mean to me. I know that is hard for all of you believe but I am. You sisters and brothers have given me love when I couldn't love myself, acceptance when I couldn't accept myself, hope, knowledge and most of all a sense of belonging. You accepted me open arms with all my warts and imperfections. You truly care about me and I am forever grateful for that. I have never really felt that my whole life. I always felt like a second class person because of the weight and now with your help I don't feel like that anymore. I can go out and be a worthwhile person in society because I had all of you as examples. Thank you just isn't enough but I know nothing better. My diabetes is under control with diet and exercise. No more shots, pills or insulin pumps. My back, even though there is so much damage I still have to be extremly careful, is feeling so much better. I can go and walk and work out at the Y and have no problems. My heart, even though the damage is permanent, is doing better. The surgery has taken a lot of strain off it and it is working so much better, almost at a normal rate. I just can't believe the health benefits that I have gotten. Most of all it has led me to a place where I feel safe and loved and that is here with my OFF family. You answered questions and calmed fears when they have come up and I am grateful for that. I feel accepted here and I know that I am. I am grateful to God that he brought me to the place that I am today. I am a person that has been transformed and I am still a work in progress. I hope and pray to God that I am always a work in progress and continue to be until I am called home to Him. I want all of you, my OFF brothers and sisters to know that I love each and every one of you in a very special way. You are all unique and wonderful and loving people and I hold dear and close to my heart each and every one of you. MY LIFE ROCKS AND SO DOES MY OFF BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!!!!
It's not what you gather, but what you scatter
that tells what kind of life you have lived.
My Mantra is that I do not determine my success by the number hanging in my closet, nor will I let the scale determine that success either. . . It is through trial and error I will continue to grow and succeed. . . Laureen
"Success is a journey, not a destination." Ben Sweetland
Cathy
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* Our family is a circle of love and strength. With every birth and every union, the circle grows. Every joy shared adds more love. Every obstacle faced together makes the circle stronger. The love of a family is life's greatest blessing.
I have reached my goal!
Lady's Mom 
