On Her Birthday ... For Leilani

Last Month , Dame Tooter posted a contest called " Who Inspire You " I submitted my essay . And I nominated for me Leilani . I found out today that someone else one the essay contest , however , she did get her name posted on Tooters Web Page . I do not need any contest or post to tell you all what this woman means to me .What she means to all of us . So in celebration of her Birthday , I am going to post to you my essay . To me she is a Winner .. and Our True Inspiration . ~~~~~~~~~~HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEILANI !!!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ************************************************************** Who Inspires Me ? 2 Years ago I came to Obesity Help not knowing what in earth I was going to do with my life . I sat here weighing in at 310 pounds , miserable , sick with diabetes and high cholesterol . I was feeling as if my world was going to end . I had no idea if this surgery was for me . Would it work ? Was I destined to die like my father . I knew that this surgery saved lives but I did not know to what extent until the day I found her . I opened up the link to Obesity Help one night feeling like I had no place to call home, when I began looking through the before and after photos . Flipping through all of them with amazement , wondering will I ever be that small . Reading profiles of how people just like me where leading healthy happy lives again . Then I came upon a Local Woman's profile . Leilani . She was from Va Beach . With tear filled eyes , I read every single word this woman wrote . That night I called over to my daughter Amy and I said .. " Do you see her .. Do you .. I want what she has .. This woman .. Has done it .. And done it the right way .. She .. Has her LIFE back. Why does she inspire me you ask ? Through my entire journey , this woman has never faltered to help me . To lend an ear when I was feeling less than right with the world . The night I met Lei , was the greatest night of my life . I was invited to attend a meet and greet at a local restaurant . I walked in and there she was . My breath left my body .. I swear to you it did . I felt like I was meeting royalty . She came over and hugged me with the biggest smile . And from then on .. I knew that this was my friend for life . Leilani has shown to me that you can beat this disease called Obesity . She has shown that even with personal issues in your life past or present, you can overcome them . Lei has been instrumental in not only my life buy countless others . And she never fails at offering solutions or giving you just the right place to go for information . She never scolds .. But chalks it up to .. Hey .. Tomorrow is another day . Today I nominate Leilani Gibbs . http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=G1025993964 A woman that has shown to me , inspired me ... and remains a legend to me in all that is Survival . I can not imagine my life with out her .

Tink~ Very well said! Like you said...she means the world to all of us (and so do YOU!) Thanks for everything. ~Tammy

Hello my dear friend - you make me feel so SO VERY special. Thankfully, you always look at me through the eyes of love!!! So, even when we do get together in person, and you see all my faults, cracks and blemishes, your love doesn't waiver. Such a beautiful soul for an equally BEAUTIFUL woman, it doesn't get any better then YOU!! Your heartfelt words have left me smiling through the tears and I'm a better person for having you in my life. Love you - Lei

Ditto! Christine