I don’t think you are ever too old to learn.
 I am currently reading a book on Oprah's list called: A New Earth-awakening to your life's purpose. By Eckhart Tolle. 
At first when I started reading the book it did not make a lot of sense to me. It took me a few chapters to start clicking in my brain. It speaks about the ego and the pain body. Pain body being basically people that caring pain from the past and let it effect the present and the way we handle our daily lives. 

Being morbidly obese was very painful for me. Many things in my life early on I believe made me gain the weight. Trying to cover up pain, trying to make myself invisible (I know at 335 pds that doesn't seem possible). But when you are obese you do become invisible, people look through you not at you or simply turn away. That is what I wanted in my younger years to disappear to go through life unnoticed. I had too much pain and trauma to deal with. 

This book has helped me define myself in a way. It helps you see that you can not let your past injures define who you are or how you live your life.  I found my calling in bariatrics, helping others to know they are not alone, they are not the only ones that ever felt the way they do, and that there is life after obesity. 
I thank God every day I have had this life changing surgery and also that I am dealing with the demons that got me there in the first place. I think this is a lifelong journey. As we get older and learn life’s lessons we gain strength and understanding. One lesson I have learned is to let go if someone has done me harm in the past I had to forgive them and let it go. When you hold on to past hurts you only hurt you not the person that did you harm. Hurt and pain breed more hurt and pain. I have to believe that I am a survivor for a purpose, to help other people do the same.

I intend to write my story in book form one of these days, it will probably appear as a work of fiction but it isn’t. I don’t think I could sit down and make up my life.

Although I have had pain I have also been truly blessed. My children, my grandchildren, and the love of my life Bubba that accepts me with all the wounds and scars he loves me unconditionally. I waited for this for 45 years. Just when you think all hope is lost God shows up every time. There are times when we may not recognize God’s hands in our lives they are there. Sometimes it is as simple as making a wrong turn in your car that leads you to a new place, to meet a new person. That is God.  I have met some truly wonderful people since moving to Texas . I met them through work and church. Most are bariatric patients like me others are fellow firefighters and their families I met through my husband being a fireman. All have blessed me so much.

My patients are my family here in Texas ; we have a bond that goes beyond understanding by anyone that is not a bariatric patient. Starting my OH group has done more for me than it has for the people attending. I have made some friends and it keeps me grounded and on track even after 15 years.

I will always be grateful to Obesityhelp and River Oaks Hospital . Both for helping me help others, for giving me this family here. River Oaks for giving me a job that is not a job but a calling and something I love to do.