My Story

In September of 2008 my little family, Hubby, Bug and I went to Disneyland! The trip was my birthday gift and reward for having lost about 35 pounds. We had a wonderful time together! After riding the Indiana Jones ride I could tell that my already weak lower back was not very happy, but we were at the happiest place on earth, so onward we would go, walking and riding rides. It was bearable until the 10 hour car ride home. Two days after we arrived home I could not walk. I spent six weeks lying on the floor in extreme pain, only leaving home to go to doctor and physical therapy appointments.


A decision had to be made, surgery or no surgery. One doctor said that surgery was necessary but due to my weight he would not perform the surgery and suggested bariatric surgery instead. Between the physical pain, the emotional distress of not being able to care for my three-year-old Bug, and the depression setting in I had to make a serious decision.

I prayed for strength! I told the Lord that I needed His help to make this change happen. I promised him that if I could have just one more chance to be healthy enough to take care of my body that I would do it. I needed to make huge changes in my life. I had tried before and failed. I would not be able to do it this time without help. I needed everybody in my life to help me and I have received all the support I could have imagined and more.

I got up the next morning and I walked to the flag pole about 100 feet from our front door. I could barely make it back to the floor mat I had called home for the previous six weeks. I did it again later in the day. In a couple of days I could walk the 50 yards to the mailbox. I was still in pain but a few days later I walked all the way around the block. Okay so I actually had to stop and lie down at a friend’s house half way around the block. I became familiar with the floor almost everywhere I went. Even if I had to lie down I would go as far as I could, rest, and get myself back home before I thought I had gone too far and wouldn’t be able to make it home.

It has been quite some time since then, but those days will never be forgotten, by me or my little family; Hubby who had to take care of everything I couldn’t and Bug who had to take care of herself when Mom couldn’t.

Yesterday I ran four miles! I RAN! FOUR MILES! Many lights have gone on to help me change my life since those days in Disneyland. I hope that sharing them will inspire someone, even if that only someone is me. Here’s to many more life changes and many more lights shining!