Rollercoaster heaven!

I spent the Labor Day holiday in Sandusky, Ohio at Cedar Point Amusement Park, which is considered the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. I was very impressed -- who dreams up these wicked coasters? One of the things I wanted to do when I lost weight was to ride a coaster. A couple of years ago, I couldn't ride the Hulk at Universal with my nephew cause I was too big. It was so embarassing. Well, this weekend I rode them all with my 13-year-old daughter and niece. As we waited so they could ride in the front seat of the Millennium Force (about 30 extra minutes on top of 2 hours), about 8 people were turned away because they couldn't fit. That was after they waited two hours. It made me feel very sad for them, and very grateful that I'm not in that situation any more. They weren't even that big. My teen-age daughter was very demonstrative that day -- holding my hand a lot and hugging me. (Very unusual for a teen-ager who typically doesn't want to be seen with her parents.) At one point, she leaned over and told me how proud she was of me. She told me that originally she thought I was crazy to have the surgery and thought I'd lose 40 pounds or so and gain it right back. Then she looked at me and said, "But you didn't mom. You really did it this time. I'm proud of you." It was a moment I'll always remember. I was so happy I thought my heart would burst. Thank heavens for this surgery, and thank heavens for little girls. Joni

Joni, Boy I know how you feel. I had surgery a year ago April. I have really started to live again this summer. I have gone hicking again I did this the first time on mothers day this year with my husband and son they both were so proud and happy to be able to do this with me again. Really for my son who is twenty I never was able to hick with him. A few months ago I went with my 22 year old daughter to the grocery store and it started to rain so we had to run from the parking lot to the store and my daughter was in tears when we got to the store I asked what was wrong with her and she said mom I can't remember the last time I saw you run. I was happy yet sad that during my kids childhood I could not do all the things I should of been able to do with them I never realized how much they missed I only thought it was me missing those things. Maria

Ah, that comment from your daughter made my eyes fill up. How sweet! -L