The recognition I've been craving from a certain someone.

TheFinalThird

As of December 3rd (the last time I was on a scale), I had lost 79 pounds. I have been under calories every single day since then. As a result, I have every reason to believe that I have lost 80-something pounds using MFP and exercising in the past almost five months. I know that the clothes that I used to wear snugly are practically falling off. I know that I've drilled 7 more holes in my leather dress belt (and will have to replace it in the very near future). I know that I feel a lot better and can do things physically that I couldn't used to do. But when I look in the mirror, I don't SEE much of a change. Oh yes, my formerly taut, chubby, youthful skin is showing definite signs of wrinkles. But other than that, I really don't notice much of a difference.

More importantly, a certain someone who I have traded messages with since almost the first day I have been on MFP has never noticed. At least this person has never made any comment about noticing. Until today.

As my reward for surviving two weeks in an emotional meat grinder while staying under calories and exercising regularly, I treated myself to a special lunch today. It was one of my very favorite meals at one of my very favorite restaurants-- french toast with butter and syrup, thick cut, well done bacon, and.... come on, you can guess.... that's right.... a diet coke. ;-)

Anyway, to commemorate the occasion, I took a picture of myself along with the menu from the restaurant (Pancake Pantry in Nashville, Tn.). I posted it on MFP as my profile picture. Much to my shock and amazement (seriously... I truly had no idea this would happen), compliments began rolling in. Apparently, even though my face looks little different to me, a number of my long time, caring, wonderful, thoughtful supporters and friends on MFP were effusive with praise about the changes they noticed in my face.

But the one comment from the one person that I had hoped for... longed for... wasn't there. Every day, when I lug myself out for a power walk or turn away from the next thing I want to eat so that I can stay under calories for the day, I do it thinking that one day, this person will finally notice my hard work... and its results.

The comments that I did receive meant a lot to me. Really, they did. But the one that was missing kinda hurt. And just then, while I was scrolling down the screen, it appeared:

southcarolinaguy: Just look at that slim face.

I don't know how slim that face was, but I do know that at that moment, tears were streaming down both sides of it. He noticed. He finally noticed. i could hear the theme from "Rocky" blaring in my head. I took off my 21 pound backpack in the airport terminal and began hoisting it up and down vigorously as I strode fast from one end of the terminal and back. Why? Because with every calorie I burn... every calorie that I don't consume... I know that I'm one day closer to the next compliment from southcarolinaguy.

So on this special day, I want to say, in front of the entire world, "southcarolinaguy.... you had me at 'slim face.'"

Thanks for listening.

Scott R.

P.S. While this post is written somewhat tongue in cheek, I would never joke about the amazing and touching support that I receive regularly from my core of caring and loyal MFP friends. Each of you truly is the wind beneath my wings. Your support and friendship and acceptance and caring and laughter at my corny, ridiculous jokes inspires me to want to complete this journey to health and fitness. And despite being in the 390's I know I will get there. After all... I started this journey in the high 470's, and look how far I've gotten.

lik_11

duh nu duuuuuuh... duh nu duuuuuuh (That's the Rocky theme song in letters)

Way to finally come around SouthCarolinaGuy!

KodAkuraMacKyen

You are such a rockstar. Thanks again for a great and inspiring post.

Deipneus

That was amazing. You made me feel important and like a jerk at the same time! ;-) No seriously, I'm not one to hold back compliments but maybe it's my eyesight. I KNEW your were losing weight it's just hard to tell sometimes in these little pictures we're allowed in our profiles. So yeah, at least you know it was noticeable and genuine. You got your slim face right in the camera and even with these eyes I could see the difference. Congratulations!

abentrup

Amazing story! Your reads are never a bore! thank you for that!

LoriA6724

I think sometimes a compliment, from someone who doesn't give them freely, means more to us.

Thanks for sharing another wonderful post!

Ronij59

I loved your story! I want to say congrats to you on your success so far. We are all on a common jouirney and it is the support that keeps me going. I love that every day no matter how badly I feel about myself, there is someone on here to make me smile and change that feeling right around. Good luck with your journey!

RunMyOregonBunsOff

I'm glad that you got that recognition from your pal. He was right about a noticeable change and also about the tiny pics we get on here. Have you looked at a side by side of the new one and your first one?

Deipneus

We want pictures! We want pictures! We want pictures! If you need help, private message me.