my story

Though I lost most of my weight last year, and have successfully maintained for almost a whole year now (while adding a lb or two of weight loss here and there still) - I reflected back on my motivation and success today.

You see, 2 years ago around this time it was summer and I was passing by a water park type thing with my kids. I knew I couldn't go there- why? my daughter had a trach and she couldn't swim with one. But I also knew the doctors said she was getting closer to be able to have it removed (the trach). So that would mean we could do stuff like that. Though, I think I used the "well my daughter has a trach so I don't do water stuff because of her" thing to my benefit as I HATED being in a bathing suit. And I said- my goodness, I want to ENJOY every moment of her finally getting to be in the water and swimming and not have to sit there being scared of the swimsuit. And it took me a few months of mulling things over to really get that determination going (actually like 6 more months after that).

I thrusted forward with the diet around the end of February 2010 at a size 18-20 and by the beginning of August 2010 (one year after I said what I said) I was a size 10 and 50 lbs lighter - hitting my original goal.

In November 2010 she had her trach removed, by February 2011 her trach hole was closed and this summer we have been swimming EVERYWHERE. And there I stand in my swimsuit... still my imperfect body, yet a body I am comfortable in, not one I am trying to cover up with a big dress or hide completely. I am not thinking about how I look- I am standing there in awe of my daughter who finally after 5 1/2 years of having a trach can participate in swimming pools with other kids, and with HER MOM TOO!!! I am swimming around, laughing, having a blast this summer and reflecting on it all. Today especially since I watched her for the first time go completely under the water- something she would've died from before she is now happily doing. I just am so thrilled for her and not distracted by anything else like my weight!!!! So a BIG yay for that.

Since August 2010 I have only lost 6 more pounds. But still 56 pounds is something to be happy about. And I truly believe slowly but surely my "new goal" will be reached but if not - yes I'm not perfect, but I'm happy and healthy.... thanks to the changes I made in my life. And I'm so proud to be able to share this joy with my daughter!