I am a 37 year old, who has always been obese...I come from a family of southern cooks and we love to eat!  Most of my family is overweight but there are those few lucky ones...

Like every other obese child I was taunted and made fun of through my childhood...until I went to middle school and I found a group who accepted me as I was...that was the start of a long, rough road of alcohol and drug use.  Don't get me wrong I met some wonderful people (I was friends with everone that was kind enough not to turn up their nose at me!), especially in high school, some of which are my best friends today-one of which I married!

I thank Jesus everyday for my "new" life...and His grace!

The only time I can remember not eating like a food addict, is when my father died 4 years ago.  I haven't experienced anything that horrible...but soon was able to cover that pain with food after the initial shock of losing a wonderful father!

My incredible husband Joel, is an amazing cook...he was a chef for 15 years!  And so after we married we continued to gain weight...He is scheduled for his surgery on May 9, 2007.  Then it is my turn...I can't wait!!  There is soooooo much to do...things I have only dreamed of!!!  Joel and I talk everyday of what we are going to do when we are much thinner and healthier...

Thanks to Patti and all of our new friends to give us the incentive and support that we need!!