My Son Fat - By Proxy

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kealey1318
kealey1318 Posts: 290 Member
in Motivation and Support
My 10 year old son, who is extremely fit and slim, has been joining me (and being incredibly supportive of me) on some of my walks. We walked 5 miles together last night and we really have great conversations and a lot of fun...

Unfortunately, he learned how overweight people often get treated...

I am 232 pounds, was decently covered (wearing capri pants and t-shirt, both slightly baggy since I've lost almost 20 pounds). A pick up truck full (the entire truck bed too) of teenagers/ young men drove by and decided to yell rude things at me because of my weight. This is a 4-lane split roadway and they were 25 feet or so away at the closest point, nice residential area... I was treated to this humiliation 3 times on the walk as they thought it was so fun they came back for more. My son was equal parts embarassed and protective of me.

It's sad that even when you try to do the right things, to lose the weight and get the exercise, you're mocked simply for being. Part of me is sad that it happened, but the other part is somewhat glad. My child learned a very tough lesson in empathy and I know that he would never do something like this to someone else. I am so proud of him!
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Replies

  • Andrea_McQ
    Andrea_McQ Posts: 56 Member
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    I am so angry that they thought it was ok to treat anybody like that, so sad that anybody should have to listen to it and so proud of you and your son - your son handled it with more maturity than those older than him, and you didn't let a few idiots deter you from your journey - physically or metaphorically!

    You can't change what other people do, only how you react to them, and you've got that nailed! :-)
  • kao1114
    kao1114 Posts: 51
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    I am sorry you & your son had to experience that. People can be so cruel - putting others down to make themselves feel powerful because they feel like failures in their own lives. I understand how you feel. Take solice in the fact that you are raising your son to be a better man than those jerks could ever hope to be. It's wonderful you have such a supportive son on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. And congrats on the 20 lb loss!! That is fantastic! Keep up the great work!!
  • susannamarie
    susannamarie Posts: 2,148 Member
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    You can lose weight. But they'll still be *kitten*. Keep up the good work.
  • kelfhouse
    kelfhouse Posts: 16
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    That is AWFUL! People like that make me SOOOOOO angry. I'm sorry you both had to have that happen. Keep up the great work your doing awesome. And like someone else said you will loose the weight and they will always be jerks!
  • TT_luvs_fitness
    TT_luvs_fitness Posts: 274
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    That's horrible. Your doing great so don't ever worry about what other say or think just know your doing a fantastic job. I'm so proud of how hard you work.
  • kealey1318
    kealey1318 Posts: 290 Member
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    Thank you, everyone! I don't want it to sound like I'm throwing myself a pity party. This is not the first time something like this has happened to me, and I'm certain it won't be the last either. But I really am trying to make a change, and now I probably get just as much, if not more, exercise than a lot of those boys...

    C'est la vie... Just gotta hold my head up high and keep walking!
  • jenguhl
    jenguhl Posts: 79
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    You can lose weight. But they'll still be *kitten*. Keep up the good work.
    Absolutely true!
  • fimary
    fimary Posts: 286 Member
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    You can lose weight. But they'll still be *kitten*. Keep up the good work.

    well said, i agree keep going
  • alexandria412
    alexandria412 Posts: 177 Member
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    Talk about finding the silver lining. Your attitude is absolutely incredible. What an amazing person you are!
  • Laceybaby1967
    Laceybaby1967 Posts: 82 Member
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    My 10 year old son, who is extremely fit and slim, has been joining me (and being incredibly supportive of me) on some of my walks. We walked 5 miles together last night and we really have great conversations and a lot of fun...

    Unfortunately, he learned how overweight people often get treated...

    I am 232 pounds, was decently covered (wearing capri pants and t-shirt, both slightly baggy since I've lost almost 20 pounds). A pick up truck full (the entire truck bed too) of teenagers/ young men drove by and decided to yell rude things at me because of my weight. This is a 4-lane split roadway and they were 25 feet or so away at the closest point, nice residential area... I was treated to this humiliation 3 times on the walk as they thought it was so fun they came back for more. My son was equal parts embarassed and protective of me.

    It's sad that even when you try to do the right things, to lose the weight and get the exercise, you're mocked simply for being. Part of me is sad that it happened, but the other part is somewhat glad. My child learned a very tough lesson in empathy and I know that he would never do something like this to someone else. I am so proud of him!

    I'm sorry that happened..and you are right, it's very sad that you were mocked by 'being'. I can relate to the feeling. There are people like that in this world, and for your son to see what people are like when they are mean..and what it does to others, is an excellent lesson that he will remember throughout life.....congrats to you, for raising a boy who can/will do the right thing... :flowerforyou:
  • sjmgde
    sjmgde Posts: 381 Member
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    I cannot believe that things like this actually happen. I am sorry to have than happen adn i am glad you are not treating it as a pity party adn ruin your success you have so far. You are stronger for it. And what comes around goes around. Idiots. You are beautiful and strong and what a great mom you are for being able to teach him life lessons. Very proud from one mom to another
  • rrrbecca11
    rrrbecca11 Posts: 477
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    Somebody's parents have dropped the ball big time on teaching their kids to respect other people. No surprise there, unfortunately. Keep up your good work, you will be rewarded.
  • ShaSimone
    ShaSimone Posts: 276
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    Keep walking tall lady because you have class and are raising a young man to have class and treat others with dignity and respect. Not sure that can be said for those unkind individuals in the truck that decided to harass you. Keep on your journey to health and wellness and leave the losers behind.
  • sebbysmommy
    sebbysmommy Posts: 63 Member
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    I would have written down the license plate number and called the local police department to report their harassing behavior especially after their second round through. I then would have LOVED to have gone to the drivers house and had a LOOOONG talk with their parents.

    I am sorry you were in that situation and I can only imagine what it must have been like for you. ((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))
  • booklover942
    booklover942 Posts: 9
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    You can lose weight. But they'll still be *kitten*. Keep up the good work.

    This is the best reply I know! Keep up the good work and it sounds like you are raising a great kid! Kudos to him too!
  • slparsaca
    slparsaca Posts: 59 Member
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    I know that feeling. Last fall I was in the grocery store and had to bend over to get something off a lower shelf. As I did this a few high school boys walked by and Moo'd. I was so embarrassed and angry. And yet, when I was at 110 pounds I would still get crude comments from stupid people so....like the others said stupid people will always be around, just know that you have great worth no matter how much you weigh! Most of the stupid comes from empty souls anyway.
  • mama2shi
    mama2shi Posts: 300 Member
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    You can lose weight. But they'll still be *kitten*. Keep up the good work.

    ^^ Took the words out of my mouth!!

    If this is what makes them feel better about themselves, they are in for a miserable life! Just know the best revenge is living well. Stick with it and screw them and any other judgemental *kitten* out there.
  • erh12275
    erh12275 Posts: 40 Member
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    The day I decided I had had enough of being fat I was in the hospital. I had just moved from ICU to a regular floor and needed a potty chair as I couldn't get to the bathroom. I barely fit on the one they brought. I heard one nurse ask the other one why she brought that one and her reply was..."I didn't know she was a whale."

    The next time I heard something like this was the day I joined the gym. I had called and made the appointment with a trainer. I was on my way to pick up my girls and I sneezed turning a corner. When I did, I veered into the other lane. Of course there was a guy there and he started cussing me and called me a fat *kitten*. Now if I had been thin I would have been a stupid b but because I was fat of course the uneducated idiot equated my being fat to why I couldn't drive. It just fueled me more to want to get the weight off.

    I use idiots like these 2 to make it a few more mins on the eliptical.

    Sorry your kid had to hear it...but, it really is how the real world is. Some people just are just stoooopid. BTW...in both cases the people calling me fat were large.
  • katythemommy
    katythemommy Posts: 437 Member
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    Talk about finding the silver lining. Your attitude is absolutely incredible. What an amazing person you are!

    Agreed! I probably would of ran off crying!
  • madyncaden
    madyncaden Posts: 312 Member
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    first off i am sorry that you had to deal with this especially with your son! I am at my desk tearing up reading it, mainly because of your reaction! you decided to turn this intoa life lesson for your son and teach him how to be a loving "decent" humanbeing. I think it took much courage and self control to think of this situation in this manner! i also want to congratulate you on the 20 pound loss!! that is amazing! friend me if you'd like :) keep on keepin on!!

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