Losing 167 Pounds But Finding More of Me

Three years ago, it was hot, dry, and dusty here in South Texas, just as it is now. Some things haven't changed much in that time, but for me, some things have.

This is me, about three years ago. It's painful now to look at, but it's the true thing:

I'm on the left with my sweet mother-in-law. My body was breaking down and I'd had two knee surgeries and a back surgery.



About three years ago, I really had some serious self talks and began on my journey to lose weight. It's been difficult, and at times seemingly impossible. There have been days I've wanted to scream as loudly as I can, "I QUIT!!!", but with my family's support, I'm still in this.

I'm so close to the finish now I can smell it. I'm the healthiest I've been in a long time. I met my original weight goal, but now I'd like to lose about 20 more lbs.



Here I am this past school year. I've never claimed to be photogenic, but this picture is a heckuva lot better than the first one.

I'll be running in my first half marathon in November and my doctor is astounded at my cardiovascular fitness.

 My back, which a neurosurgeon told me needed to be fused, and my knee, which supposedly has no cartilage left in it, hold up fine to the 20 miles I run a week along with the step aerobics, weight training, and other workouts I do.

I believe no one is beyond redemption. I had completely given up hope that I could ever be back to a normal weight and live a healthy life, but with a little determination and God's help, it's happening.

Yep, three years can make a world of difference or no difference at all. It just depends on what you choose to do with it.