9 Days!

It's 9 days until my surgery day and of course, my mind is completely preoccupied with this whole process...I just can't wait to get there and be on the other side of the surgery...wake up and know that it's all over...however, I must be patient....

I had a super weekend with my kids...we did things together that we have not done in a long, long time....or at least, not without a great deal of exhaustion or discomfort on my part physically. We had a little shopping to do so we went to Shopper's Drug Mart and we must have been in there a half an hour just taking our time strolling through the isles. Usually I would have ran in and out of the store as fast as I could because my back and feet would be in such pain the longer I was on them and I would get hot and sweaty with the smallest bit of exertion. This time, we doddled. Ruthie pushed her own cart and David carried a basket. We really only had about three things to pick up at the store but it was so freeing just to be able to breathe easier, strolling through the store with them...I didn't want it to end!!! Anyway, we got our mouth wash and deodorant and enjoyed a nice trek together too!!

After that I was really feeling adventurous and decided to take the kids to the park. I haven't done this in a time either. But what a difference 30lbs makes!!! I actually enjoyed the little walk to the school playground and had an amazing time walking around with the dog while the kids played. (I even "played" a bit myself..although I didn't quite make it down the slide....YET!!!!!)

What an amazing day Saturday was just enjoying a tiny taste of what is to come for me. I still am lugging around a few hundred extra pounds of weight from my ideal, but I feel light as a feather!!! And I was honestly delighted at the joy I felt being far more active this weekend than I have been in a while.

This has really gotten me to thinking about my weight and the real "handicap" it can be...not only for me, but for all those who really battle with obesity. The things that "normal" people take for granted are things that people like me long to do but just can't. I was talking to my best friend Hannah (my best ever childhood friend who knows me inside out...including my struggle with weight) this weekend and was reminded of the last time I actually sat comfortably in a Movie Theatre or even went to one at all...it was more than 7 years ago!!! So many things that I have missed out on and for so long just told myself it didn't matter...well, it does matter and I'm gonna do them!! I'm going to go to a movie....or sit in an arena...I'm going to go on a roller coaster and walk an entire theme park without being winded after 10 minutes...today I choose to live and experience and explore...and I choose to do it with as much joy and exuberance I can possibly muster!!!!!! Just you watch...God certainly is NOT finished with this chubby old girl yet!!!! I am so very grateful for this second chance...