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!!!!!
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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