I am 6 months old today....

Brenda R.
on 4/8/08 12:30 am, edited 4/8/08 12:34 am - Portage, IN

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.

                          oh_c_card-2.gif picture by kittikat22


 

Laureen S.
on 4/8/08 12:37 am - Maple Shade, NJ
Brenda, Happy 6 Months of your new life! Your post was beautifully worded and inspiring and I identify with so much of what you wrote, as next week will be my 6 month rebirthday and the journey has been awesome and the people I've met here on this board phenominal in helping me along the way! Congratulations on your post-surgery achievements and I wish you more. Hugs, Laureen


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

Brenda R.
on 4/8/08 4:33 am - Portage, IN
Laureen, thanks so much for your kind words. They are how I really feel.

                    It's not what you gather, but what you scatter 
                        that tells what kind of life you have lived.

                          oh_c_card-2.gif picture by kittikat22


 

Cathy W.
on 4/8/08 12:47 am
Hi Brenda, What a beautiful and eloquent post.  I'm so happy for you.   Happy, happy 6 months!  It only gets better and better! Congratulations, Cathy

Cathy

Want to get back on track or stay on track? Get Back On Track Together!

Brenda R.
on 4/8/08 4:34 am - Portage, IN
When I write Cathy, I tell it like it feels in my heart. I meant every word of it. I love my new life.

                    It's not what you gather, but what you scatter 
                        that tells what kind of life you have lived.

                          oh_c_card-2.gif picture by kittikat22


 

butterjoy
on 4/8/08 1:12 am - Elkview, WV
WOW, WHAT A WONDERFUL STORY!  I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO BEING ABLE TO SAY THE SAME AS YOU DID. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSPIRING WORDS! JOY

* 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! Praying angel:9896

Brenda R.
on 4/8/08 4:35 am - Portage, IN
Joy, your day is coming. Have faith and it will come to be. When it is the right time it will happen. Just keep on truckin' and you will get there.

                    It's not what you gather, but what you scatter 
                        that tells what kind of life you have lived.

                          oh_c_card-2.gif picture by kittikat22


 

Ladys_mom
on 4/8/08 1:18 am - Muscatine, IA
Brenda - you put into words all the things I have been feeling.  All the changes we experience are wonderful!  This is a great group of OFF brothers and sisters.  I am so hapy to have each and every one of them!!!  Congratulations on your new life and the journey you are on!   Randa
Lady's Mom    
Brenda R.
on 4/8/08 4:37 am - Portage, IN
Randa, thanks for the wonderful words. I just feel so much like a totally different person and everyone here has helped me to achieve this.

                    It's not what you gather, but what you scatter 
                        that tells what kind of life you have lived.

                          oh_c_card-2.gif picture by kittikat22


 

lora13
on 4/8/08 1:21 am - Pittsburgh, PA
Brenda.... Congratulations on your 1/2 birthday!!  You are doing so well and inspiring others!  Keep up the good work and by the way, not only does your life rock, but you rock too, sistah!!!!!!! Hugs, Lora 
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