From A Mom of Boys and a Bulgarian Princess

Monday, May 23, 2016

How did I get HERE?

Dear Life,

I am going to share a personal journey with you.

LIKE I'VE NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE!

If you know me, or have seen a picture of me, you know that my weight has been a challenge for many, many years.

I feel like I have gained 20 pounds yearly! I was afraid when I got pregnant with Kumaka that I would get to 300 pounds. I got higher than that!

I topped off at 314 pounds!

WHAT? HOW? NOW WHAT!

I never had to worry about my weight until I had children. At first the weight gain was a few pounds, and then 20 pounds, until I ballooned so high that walking was hard, sleeping was uncomfortable, and no clothes fit me. I am going to be brutally honest here.....I stopped measuring myself for clothing sizes; opting for leggings and t shirts. So the largest size I purchased was 26, but I really think I was a 28 but refusing to admit it.

Working out was impossible.
My bladder became affected.
My legs rubbed together.
I felt ugly.

I noticed that many times people wouldn't look at my face when I was talking to them.
I tried to pretend that I was proud of who I was regardless of my weight.
But last year, I had to be honest.
My health was being affected.
I was afraid of diabetes, heart issues, etc.
What was I teaching my children?

I reached out to my dear friend Liz.
She had been talking to be about Herbalife.
For awhile I said I couldn't afford it.
I finally knew, I couldn't afford to not do it.

The first thing I did was stop drinking soda.
THAT WAS A HUGE ONE!
I had been drinking soda since I was 17 years old.
I started drinking only water.
After two weeks, I didn't miss it anymore.

To be continued....

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Living Beyond the Diagnosis

Dear Life,

I have introduced you to just a very small amount of families that are living with Spina Bifida. In sharing these stories, I hope you have seen what these families have gone through (in a small way)....from devastation when finding out the news to living beyond the diagnosis. That is a HUGE phrase. LIVING BEYOND THE DIAGNOSIS. LIVING. That's what it's all about. And that can be said for any person dealing with a medical diagnosis. It's just that. A diagnosis. Yes, in this case these people have Spina Bifida. But Spina Bifida does not have them. It does not define them. How they live their lives defines them. Who they are as people (even little kiddos) defines them. Their spirit defines them. Sometimes, with surgeries or illnesses, they regress, and sometimes it would be easier to stay home and not make the effort of going out, and living their life. But that is why we are here....to live life. And all these families and thousands others are living their lives and living it well. It can be hard, and we cry sometimes. We laugh more, we live more. You can see that in their smiles. Thank you for taking the time to read about these families. I would like to thank all of the people who shared their hearts with me, and allowed me to share their stories with you. You may not know it, but it is really hard to relive some of the experiences we have shared. I am really grateful to all of my wonderful friends for opening up a window into their lives. I also want to thank all of my readers for always being so supportive of my family, Kumaka, and little Sofi. This is has been an amazing month for me. A reaffirming month....a month of strength, courage, endurance and love.

If you missed any stories, look below and you will find a link to that post.

Nathaniel's Story