VSG Maintenance Group
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Not sure how to start out our daily thread with thoughts so heavy. I know that Shel has left us from Shirl's post. That's all I know. If anyone could share more information, it would give me some comfort.
DH, my son, and I are going to drive out to the country to visit my parents tonight and bring them dinner. As we are always being taught, if not now, when?
Well, I think starting the daily thread was a good thing to do. I don't know anymore than what Shel's BIL posted on her FB page - that she died sometime early yesterday. Perhaps Ann knows a little more since she is now friends with an Iowan from Shel's childhood.
If not now, when? A great theme for today, I think. Actually, it is a great credo to keep in the forefront of our minds as we go through our daily routines.
On the weight front, I am continuing to eat without restriction on specific foods, which is making it easier somehow for me right now to maintain a sense of eating control. I am very conscious of the fact that I want to keep my stress level down because when I am stressed I eat more. Couple the increase in eating with higher levels of cortisol and it's a perfect recipe for weight gain. I also am sensing that my more relaxed approach to eating is helping me make better decisions about eating on the go. Last night, for example, Ron and I went to dinner with our friend Auntie Kathryn. I ordered sort of a la carte at BBQ place. I ordered a small side salad and 4oz of lean brisket. I did eat one of Ron's ribs (no sauce), too. I did not finish the salad because the meat was more than enough. I felt good about my choice. My weight has stayed down since returning from our trip, so I think it is a genuine loss.
I am back to my workout routine and am happy for that. I am pleasantly sore this morning, as I was yesterday. I do like it when I have the "good sore".
I leave with a happy photo of Shel and her DD on one of Shel's many treks in the Cascades. I know we are all sad, but I also want to celebrate Shel's tireless spirit, her push for adventure, and her push to stretch herself to her limits of physicality. I was our friend and will remain so. Shel has played a significant role in journey of self acceptance. I am forever grateful for her kindness and empathy.
Cancer is an evil beast and strikes without rhyme or reason. I can't believe there was a "reason" for Shel's passing. Any "reason" is incomprehensible to me. This is not how her story was supposed to end.
Beautiful picture. I agree there is no reason to cancer. One of friends who teaches at Harvard medical school and is an infectious disease specialist told DH when his sister was diagnosed that cancer is arbitrary. I figure she understands way better than me, the progression of cellular change. It is arbitrary. I would add, cancer is a thief.
Yesterday, as Shel must have been transitioning, I was drawn to this meditation garden during my walk.
Age: 64; 5' 5"; High weight: 345; Start weight: 271 (01/05/15); Surgery weight: 218 (05/27/15); Pre-Op (-53); M 1 (-18); M 2 (-1.5); M 3 (-13.5 ); M 4 (-13); M 5 (- 8); M 6 (-12) M 7 (-5, Xmas); M 8 (- 9) Under surgeon's goal and REACHED HEALTHY BMI 12/07/15!! (Six months and one week.) AT GOAL month 8. Maintaining at goal range (139- 144) ~ four (4) years !!
Greetings Fellow Travelers
In view of Shel's passing it seems trivial to post weight or fuss about food. Yet I know our dear Shel would want us all to continue our journeys and seek success and joy. So let's all jfdi.
The picture I posted is when Shel and I had lunch at a little cafe on the town square near my art gallery. She loved this place and went back the next day. Got a french bread sandwich wrapped up for her hike. We had fun.
Speaking of "if not now, when?" I will be traveling back to Nebraska next week for a few days. My brother has been placed on hospice.
Life goes on for the rest of us. Lets make the most of it. D
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