It's been a tremendous run thus far with lap band happening last March 12, 2009. Weight loss, life changes, no serious health complications today, tremendous energy level...back into life living and loving.
For all of us, we face various challenges and move forward. My challenge this winter, the cold. I find me wearing flannel jammy bottoms, a t-shirt and my Harvard sweeatshirt over it all. The cold this season is (for the first time in years) challenging me! I can handle it! As far as me, life is good, gooder and goodest. Hey, easier to handle than Tiger Wood's new world!!
You can see by my crinkled face above, I'm having fun just being a crazy 'bander'. It's hard to believe that one small tool can totally change lives, reinstate self concept, increase health benefits and allow one to live an energetic, full and happy life.
Through this journey, my friends have been so supportive. Love, concern, wishes for well-being and more. These are friends from old high school days, friends from a lifetime of work and experience. "Also, family has been wonderful in 'keeping tabs' on me and the progress. They all saw me when I was at my lowest back in 2004 and now they're celebrating the new me.
In the meantime, I have a special BFF that has been such a tremendous supporter for me. Always checking this blog, sending an email sometimes, 'you haven't posted in a while, are you ok'? Today I want to send her a bouqet of beautiful flowers, red roses and baby's breath and say, 'you were here for me ... now, I'm here for you.' She was diagnosed with breast cancer on Monday.
Suddenly, her world has changed and she is in a free fall of life challenging decisions and more. Let's not forget that sometimes, our small life issues are simply that. Celebrate life every moment for it's a one shot game. Enjoy the good things that come your way and reville in the friends and family you love. My challenge was suddenly diminished this week with her news.
She called today and we shared long moments on the phone through tears and brief periods of silence. I will be available for this bff. I will be a strength, a best friend, a great listener and a comforter. There is an old saying, "A friend in need..". I will be sitting in the waiting room with a couple of other friends when she has surgery.
My thoughts today for those reading this blog...if you're a bander, thinking about banding or other surgery...go for it. Do not let the grass grow under your feet. Live it, learn it and celebrate the life change you will/or/are experiencing. It makes me proud to know that I have friends and family who have taken the first step and are going to have some type of bariatric surgery to help them get back on track!
It makes me sad that I have friends in far deeper water than myself. It is the season...be kind and pass along some Random Acts of Kindness. Tis the season...PAY IT FORWARD. Life did not come with a written guarantee. It came as a blessing, an opportunity and a roadmap. We make our choices and set our course. Just because we sometimes took/take a wrong turn doesn't mean we can't correct our sights!
Be someone's blessing this season. And, as for my BFF...add her to your prayer list. Lift her up and pray for her strength and courage as we remember the many stages we go through in the face of challenge. As for me, thanks for always being there/here. You make all the difference in the world!
I hope you see less of me next year at this time!!!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a big hug!
