5 yrs post op TODAY!!
6 yrs ago I was about to turn 30 and knew I had to make a change....for a healthier life. My weight was out of control. I was 500#. I did tons of research on various types of weight loss surgery and was told by doctors that the gastric bypass wouldn't work for me as it was restrictive....I didn't eat a lot, I was eating the wrong things and had some health problems and took some medications that made me gain weight. Looking back I know I had some depression too. I had left Alex's dad in 98 and moved back to Postville from Cedar Rapids, in 99....and I left an awesome job at a National Accounting firm. I felt almost like a failure in life. After talking to doctors, I felt the http://www.duodenalswitch.com was the right surgery for me, I would have to learn to eat meat though...because with this surgery you have to get in at least 100 grams of protein a day to stay healthy as it is a malabsorbtive surgery, with some restriction. Please visit the site listed above if interested in learning about the ds/bpd. It isn't as well known as the gastric bypass or lap band but SHOULD BE!
I found a surgeon in Mpls who performs the DS and my bff Peggy took me to see him in Aug of 02.....I thank you for all your trips to Mpls with me Peg!! You are a wonderful friend! After I met Dr Buchwald I knew I was doing the right thing BUT he is in such demand, that the waiting list was til 2/20/03 for my surgery!! So I went home...and counted down the days til my surgery, my rebirth as it were!
5 years ago today my brother Chad left Ames at 5pm after work, to come home. He slept for a few hours, then, he, my mom and my son Alex drove me to Mpls MN at midnight ... it was the longest most nerve racking ride of my life as I was going to have the Duodenal Switch weight loss surgery and was so scared. I was to be to the hospital by 5:30am for pre surgery check in. We weren't familiar with the area so we left early to give us time. I was scared yet excited! Id researched every form of weight loss surgery out there, I had met with the surgeon (Dr Buchwald who is my hero) and loved him and felt so confident in his abilities. Chad dropped me off at the door, I walked inside and immediately had to find a place to rest. (As I did everywhere I went) My knees were killing me, my back hurt and my hips hurt. I couldn't stand or walk straight...I had to stand and walk with my knees bent as it helped ease the pain. This was how I had been living for the past few years and was so ready to NOT be miserable anymore. I was out of breath and my face was red hot. My heart was beating like crazy with nerves. Am I doing the right thing? What if I die? 1 out of 100 die during this surgery! Its THE most invasive wls out there and I chose it? Should I just leave and get the gastric bypass or the lap band?? Something more well known?? What am I doing? All these thoughts raced through my head.
Then Chad, mom and Alex walked in. I looked at little 8 yr old Alex's face and knew I couldn't turn around. He is my world, my life...the reason I NEED this surgery and cant back out. We went up to pre registration...but we were early and it didn't open until 5:30am so we were told to go to the waiting area...omg it seemed so far away!! I swear it was the longest hallway Id ever seen. I was in so much pain from walking....my 58 yr old mother got a wheel chair and pushed me down to the lounge....deep down that hurt so bad. Here I am 30 and couldn't even walk down a long hallway? Id never felt more pathetic and humble. When it was time to check in..mom pushed me back to the registration office. We waited until I was called back......there were so many pre op rooms....filled with various people awaiting all sorts of surgeries...it was huge! We went into our little curtained off room, where I got into a gown and up on a bed. A nurse came in for my vitals and my mom, Chad and Alex were there by my side. The nurse asked if we wanted the hospital pastor to come in and say a few words...I immediately said no. Here I was scared that 1 out of 100 people die, and being 500+ pounds, I have an even higher risk....I didn't want to even think about dying....I WAS going to make it, I knew this! Ihad to keep telling myself this in order to keep myself from leaving right then and there. I didn't want to have him come in and make me sad with WHAT IF words, ya know? Besides, I had written letters at home, and left them for my mom incase anything were to happen...letters to family and friends.
Then Dr Buchwald came in to see me... he could tell I was nervous....I had tears in my eyes. He is a small Greek man, with the biggest smile....so cute I could put him on my key chain. He grabbed my hand and held it...and said don't you worry anymore, you are doing the right thing, just relax and let me take good care of you. He smiled at me....and it made me feel better! Id asked him before but again I asked him if he was SURE he has done this on someone my size...he said yes, even someone heavier. I told him his hands were cold...he said that meant he had a warm heart....and that is the truth...that man is a God. He was 71 yrs old then, and has answered every call, every email....every question I've ever had pre op and post op. He still doctors in Mpls and teaches other Doctors how to perform all various types of wls.
I told Alex, mom and Chad I loved them and I would see them later. By this time it was 7am. As I was wheeled away...I began to cry, all I remember was shaking with fear.....thinking about little Alex and hoping I'm doing the right thing....I cried all the way down the long hall to the operating room....and the next thing you know I'm falling asleep and then waking up...what seemed like 2 seconds of sleep really was 7 hours of surgery. They removed 75% of my stomach on the long curvature side, then took out my entire intestines, measured them and reattached them after bypassing all but 75cm. They also fixed a hernia I had in my stomach. I had tubes in my nose, throat, stomach and arms....I was in pain but SO glad to have woken up......all I thought was, I MADE IT! I DID IT! When I finally got to see my family, I was pretty out of us but was scared to let Alex see me this way. He was brave and gave me a hug and a kiss. The nurses gave him a popsicle to help ease his fears. Chad and mom didnt let him stay long, just long enough to see I was ok.
I had an incision from my breast bone to my belly button.....no staples...just sewed shut on the inside then glued...and held together with strips. It was a nasty sight but I made it....and I was determined to get better and start living life. Just knowing I woke up from surgery was all it took for me to focus and know that I CAN do this!
That night, my brother Ryan was in a car accident in Mpls on their way to see me. It totaled his new car but he was ok, thank God. That night everyone went back to Postville and I was in the hospital for a week. Being there for a week without Alex was the longest week...that was the first time Id ever been away from him. All week I was walking the halls, all hours of the day and night. I wasn't going to get a blood clot, I knew of every possible risk...and if I had any say, I wasn't going to have any complications!! I moved my legs/feet constantly while in bed and when not doing that, I was up walking.
My recovery was a good 3 months....I had a hernia repair at the same time and couldn't stand straight for over a month while walking....I slept sitting up on the couch for a month too. But slowly my life normalized....I saw the pounds fall off. I focused on eating protein, and drinking lots of water and walking! That April of 03 I was outside more in that month, than I had been in the past 4 yrs. It felt great to be living again!! I already felt like a better mom. The best thing though was when I had lost about 100#....Alex hugged me and said...MOM! I can get my arms around you and my hands can touch!! I started to cry. It was the best feeling in the world....as was fitting into movie seats, booths, and chairs WITH arms on them!! I no longer had to call ahead to see what kind of seating they had.
So, yes I used to be over 500# and am no where near skinny now, nor probably ever will be, but I've lost 235# and feel great! I don't care if I ever lose another pound as long as I'm healthy and happy. I need another hernia repair....It popped back out, this time they are going to put a mesh netting in there for support. When they do this, I'm going to get a tummy tuck and I'm sure after my tummy tuck and boob lift I be a bit lighter and feel better about the way I look. My arms are pretty saggy....but that doesn't stop me from getting into a swimsuit and taking my kids to the pool. Alex calls my upper arm sag...my falling muscles lol I do hate my stomach or my hanging MUFFIN TOP as I call it but it all can be fixed with plastic surgery, at least I'm healthy!! Randy doesn't want me to have any plastic surgery....he has heard too many horror stories, but if I do it, its for me...no one else.
I am able to do things with Alex that I couldn't do at 500#. He is the main reason I had the DS/bpd weight loss surgery. I was 30 years old and looking at death basically. I wasn't living. My thyroid medication kept making me gain weight, My doctor tells me I'm on 7x the amount of thyroid medication someone normally needs to keep their thyroid working. I wasn't eating any meat, I was a vegetarian eating CARBS...veggies, rice...pasta...all things that now I know are bad for me...and I was working on my computer out of my home. All things that made me gain weight. I needed to change something for me and for Alex and I DID! I was so proud of myself for going through with it.
Now 5 years later, I'm healthier, stronger and happy. I still have a lot of health problems that I will have for life, like my thyroid and lymph edema diseases but at least I no longer am pre diabetic or have sleep apnea or high blood pressure or high cholesterol. I can walk more than 10 feet without being out of breath or in pain. I can walk for hours, and love to do so now! I live now, and love each and every day that God gives me.
I love being a mom, if I fail at everything else in life, it wouldn't matter to me as long as I knew I was a good mom and that my kids are happy and healthy. They know they are loved, I tell them numerous times throughout the day that I love them. I tell them each that they are my favorite son or favorite daughter
I find joy in the little things and love building traditions with them and having all these memories to share with them and their kids someday.
Had I not had the Duodenal Switch weight loss surgery, my doctor said I wouldn't be here in 5 years. Well its 5 yrs later and HERE I AM! I'm stronger and wiser than ever. Had I not had the DS/bpd I wouldn't have had Sophia either, my little diva. I am blessed with 2 great kids, a loving man and supportive friends and family.
I've spent most of my life worrying about what people think of me. Trying to please others before taking care of myself. I know now, that is no way to live. I live my life for me and my family. I often would worry about things that I had no control over. I'm still a worry wart to an extent but I try to keep things in perspective. Randy is the most positive person I have ever met and he has taught me to be strong and believe in myself and that no matter what other people say or think, I know the truth and that's all that matters. He said that people talk about you whether you are doing good or bad, so live your life the best you know how and forget what others think. He loves me for me, says I'm beautiful and makes me feel beautiful everyday, which I never did before I met him. He may be 12 yrs older than I, which I hated in the beginning when we met almost 5 yrs ago. But now, I look at it like he can pass his wisdom on to me.
When Randy met me I was 6 months post op my DS/bpd weight loss surgery and down to 420#. Id lost 100#! I felt so good but didn't think I was ready to date, when a friend introduced us. Honestly, I never thought I would find someone to love me for me and not worry about the weight. But I did!
He loved every inch of me and as I lost more weight, he would say...you are doing great Midget but don't get too skinny! lol See, He loves a big woman, so yeah you could say he has great taste!! hehehe I've never been so comfortable around anyone like I am him. He is such a blessing in my life.
I had been with Randy for a few months, when Alex and I went to Prairie Du Chien to meet with Peggy and her girls. We were in Wal mart....I was done shopping and sitting on a bench with the kids, waiting for Peggy to come out. These 2 guys walked in...maybe 18 or 20 yrs old. They walked by me, and began to sing " This is the story of a girl, who needed to lose some weight".......I immediately stood up and walked over to them, stopped them and said...excuse me, what did you say?! Neither could say anything. I told them, I heard what they said and it was rude. You don't know me, or where I've been or where I'm going. For your information I've lost 100# and am still losing. You are ******** and will always be ******** Next time you better think twice before you put down a big person. You don't know what made them that way. I was crushed inside though....I went home and cried in Randy's arms. Here I had lost 100# and starting to feel great about myself and these jerks do that! Its great walking into a room now and not feeling like everyone is looking at me or talking about me or having little kids come up to me and say I'm fat, or tell their mom's too look at the fat lady. I FEEL NORMAL now
I hate how society thinks ALL overweight people are big because they are lazy or over eat. Its a disease!! I'm NOT lazy, I'm a clean freak...self proclaimed germophob actually, and always on the go. I drive my family crazy about my 'anal' ways as they call it. lol But I just like a clean home
Plus, I eat more now than I did pre op because I have to be sure to get in my 100-125gr of protein a day.
My surgeon said I wouldn't see 300# but I did, and surpassed that! Recently I've been going up and down the same 20# which scares me...I don't ever want to be 500# again.....but my friends and family remind me that everyone gains in the winter and loses in the summer....so I'm going to stay focused and wherever I end up....I'm happy, no matter what. I never had the surgery to be skinny or thin, I had it to become healthier and to have a life again, it gave me that and more!! Sometimes I worry people look at me and think...damn she had weight loss surgery and is still fat......but I'VE LOST OVER 200## PEOPLE!! That is something to be proud of! I'm proud of where I have come and where I am going. It can only get better...because I've come from the lowest I ever was in my life and that day ended 5 yrs ago today.
Id like to say a special thank you to my family and friends....you are the best support group anyone could ever have! I love you all!!
Especially my mom, who was there to care for Alex while I was recovering and to care for me!! You're and awesome mom and friend, I enjoy our gambling outtings together and when we have girls day out with Sophia
Thank you all for reading and God Bless!
HUGS and HEALTH
I found a surgeon in Mpls who performs the DS and my bff Peggy took me to see him in Aug of 02.....I thank you for all your trips to Mpls with me Peg!! You are a wonderful friend! After I met Dr Buchwald I knew I was doing the right thing BUT he is in such demand, that the waiting list was til 2/20/03 for my surgery!! So I went home...and counted down the days til my surgery, my rebirth as it were!
5 years ago today my brother Chad left Ames at 5pm after work, to come home. He slept for a few hours, then, he, my mom and my son Alex drove me to Mpls MN at midnight ... it was the longest most nerve racking ride of my life as I was going to have the Duodenal Switch weight loss surgery and was so scared. I was to be to the hospital by 5:30am for pre surgery check in. We weren't familiar with the area so we left early to give us time. I was scared yet excited! Id researched every form of weight loss surgery out there, I had met with the surgeon (Dr Buchwald who is my hero) and loved him and felt so confident in his abilities. Chad dropped me off at the door, I walked inside and immediately had to find a place to rest. (As I did everywhere I went) My knees were killing me, my back hurt and my hips hurt. I couldn't stand or walk straight...I had to stand and walk with my knees bent as it helped ease the pain. This was how I had been living for the past few years and was so ready to NOT be miserable anymore. I was out of breath and my face was red hot. My heart was beating like crazy with nerves. Am I doing the right thing? What if I die? 1 out of 100 die during this surgery! Its THE most invasive wls out there and I chose it? Should I just leave and get the gastric bypass or the lap band?? Something more well known?? What am I doing? All these thoughts raced through my head.
Then Chad, mom and Alex walked in. I looked at little 8 yr old Alex's face and knew I couldn't turn around. He is my world, my life...the reason I NEED this surgery and cant back out. We went up to pre registration...but we were early and it didn't open until 5:30am so we were told to go to the waiting area...omg it seemed so far away!! I swear it was the longest hallway Id ever seen. I was in so much pain from walking....my 58 yr old mother got a wheel chair and pushed me down to the lounge....deep down that hurt so bad. Here I am 30 and couldn't even walk down a long hallway? Id never felt more pathetic and humble. When it was time to check in..mom pushed me back to the registration office. We waited until I was called back......there were so many pre op rooms....filled with various people awaiting all sorts of surgeries...it was huge! We went into our little curtained off room, where I got into a gown and up on a bed. A nurse came in for my vitals and my mom, Chad and Alex were there by my side. The nurse asked if we wanted the hospital pastor to come in and say a few words...I immediately said no. Here I was scared that 1 out of 100 people die, and being 500+ pounds, I have an even higher risk....I didn't want to even think about dying....I WAS going to make it, I knew this! Ihad to keep telling myself this in order to keep myself from leaving right then and there. I didn't want to have him come in and make me sad with WHAT IF words, ya know? Besides, I had written letters at home, and left them for my mom incase anything were to happen...letters to family and friends.
Then Dr Buchwald came in to see me... he could tell I was nervous....I had tears in my eyes. He is a small Greek man, with the biggest smile....so cute I could put him on my key chain. He grabbed my hand and held it...and said don't you worry anymore, you are doing the right thing, just relax and let me take good care of you. He smiled at me....and it made me feel better! Id asked him before but again I asked him if he was SURE he has done this on someone my size...he said yes, even someone heavier. I told him his hands were cold...he said that meant he had a warm heart....and that is the truth...that man is a God. He was 71 yrs old then, and has answered every call, every email....every question I've ever had pre op and post op. He still doctors in Mpls and teaches other Doctors how to perform all various types of wls.
I told Alex, mom and Chad I loved them and I would see them later. By this time it was 7am. As I was wheeled away...I began to cry, all I remember was shaking with fear.....thinking about little Alex and hoping I'm doing the right thing....I cried all the way down the long hall to the operating room....and the next thing you know I'm falling asleep and then waking up...what seemed like 2 seconds of sleep really was 7 hours of surgery. They removed 75% of my stomach on the long curvature side, then took out my entire intestines, measured them and reattached them after bypassing all but 75cm. They also fixed a hernia I had in my stomach. I had tubes in my nose, throat, stomach and arms....I was in pain but SO glad to have woken up......all I thought was, I MADE IT! I DID IT! When I finally got to see my family, I was pretty out of us but was scared to let Alex see me this way. He was brave and gave me a hug and a kiss. The nurses gave him a popsicle to help ease his fears. Chad and mom didnt let him stay long, just long enough to see I was ok.
I had an incision from my breast bone to my belly button.....no staples...just sewed shut on the inside then glued...and held together with strips. It was a nasty sight but I made it....and I was determined to get better and start living life. Just knowing I woke up from surgery was all it took for me to focus and know that I CAN do this!
That night, my brother Ryan was in a car accident in Mpls on their way to see me. It totaled his new car but he was ok, thank God. That night everyone went back to Postville and I was in the hospital for a week. Being there for a week without Alex was the longest week...that was the first time Id ever been away from him. All week I was walking the halls, all hours of the day and night. I wasn't going to get a blood clot, I knew of every possible risk...and if I had any say, I wasn't going to have any complications!! I moved my legs/feet constantly while in bed and when not doing that, I was up walking.
My recovery was a good 3 months....I had a hernia repair at the same time and couldn't stand straight for over a month while walking....I slept sitting up on the couch for a month too. But slowly my life normalized....I saw the pounds fall off. I focused on eating protein, and drinking lots of water and walking! That April of 03 I was outside more in that month, than I had been in the past 4 yrs. It felt great to be living again!! I already felt like a better mom. The best thing though was when I had lost about 100#....Alex hugged me and said...MOM! I can get my arms around you and my hands can touch!! I started to cry. It was the best feeling in the world....as was fitting into movie seats, booths, and chairs WITH arms on them!! I no longer had to call ahead to see what kind of seating they had.
So, yes I used to be over 500# and am no where near skinny now, nor probably ever will be, but I've lost 235# and feel great! I don't care if I ever lose another pound as long as I'm healthy and happy. I need another hernia repair....It popped back out, this time they are going to put a mesh netting in there for support. When they do this, I'm going to get a tummy tuck and I'm sure after my tummy tuck and boob lift I be a bit lighter and feel better about the way I look. My arms are pretty saggy....but that doesn't stop me from getting into a swimsuit and taking my kids to the pool. Alex calls my upper arm sag...my falling muscles lol I do hate my stomach or my hanging MUFFIN TOP as I call it but it all can be fixed with plastic surgery, at least I'm healthy!! Randy doesn't want me to have any plastic surgery....he has heard too many horror stories, but if I do it, its for me...no one else.
I am able to do things with Alex that I couldn't do at 500#. He is the main reason I had the DS/bpd weight loss surgery. I was 30 years old and looking at death basically. I wasn't living. My thyroid medication kept making me gain weight, My doctor tells me I'm on 7x the amount of thyroid medication someone normally needs to keep their thyroid working. I wasn't eating any meat, I was a vegetarian eating CARBS...veggies, rice...pasta...all things that now I know are bad for me...and I was working on my computer out of my home. All things that made me gain weight. I needed to change something for me and for Alex and I DID! I was so proud of myself for going through with it.
Now 5 years later, I'm healthier, stronger and happy. I still have a lot of health problems that I will have for life, like my thyroid and lymph edema diseases but at least I no longer am pre diabetic or have sleep apnea or high blood pressure or high cholesterol. I can walk more than 10 feet without being out of breath or in pain. I can walk for hours, and love to do so now! I live now, and love each and every day that God gives me.
I love being a mom, if I fail at everything else in life, it wouldn't matter to me as long as I knew I was a good mom and that my kids are happy and healthy. They know they are loved, I tell them numerous times throughout the day that I love them. I tell them each that they are my favorite son or favorite daughter
I find joy in the little things and love building traditions with them and having all these memories to share with them and their kids someday.
Had I not had the Duodenal Switch weight loss surgery, my doctor said I wouldn't be here in 5 years. Well its 5 yrs later and HERE I AM! I'm stronger and wiser than ever. Had I not had the DS/bpd I wouldn't have had Sophia either, my little diva. I am blessed with 2 great kids, a loving man and supportive friends and family.
I've spent most of my life worrying about what people think of me. Trying to please others before taking care of myself. I know now, that is no way to live. I live my life for me and my family. I often would worry about things that I had no control over. I'm still a worry wart to an extent but I try to keep things in perspective. Randy is the most positive person I have ever met and he has taught me to be strong and believe in myself and that no matter what other people say or think, I know the truth and that's all that matters. He said that people talk about you whether you are doing good or bad, so live your life the best you know how and forget what others think. He loves me for me, says I'm beautiful and makes me feel beautiful everyday, which I never did before I met him. He may be 12 yrs older than I, which I hated in the beginning when we met almost 5 yrs ago. But now, I look at it like he can pass his wisdom on to me.
When Randy met me I was 6 months post op my DS/bpd weight loss surgery and down to 420#. Id lost 100#! I felt so good but didn't think I was ready to date, when a friend introduced us. Honestly, I never thought I would find someone to love me for me and not worry about the weight. But I did!
He loved every inch of me and as I lost more weight, he would say...you are doing great Midget but don't get too skinny! lol See, He loves a big woman, so yeah you could say he has great taste!! hehehe I've never been so comfortable around anyone like I am him. He is such a blessing in my life.
I had been with Randy for a few months, when Alex and I went to Prairie Du Chien to meet with Peggy and her girls. We were in Wal mart....I was done shopping and sitting on a bench with the kids, waiting for Peggy to come out. These 2 guys walked in...maybe 18 or 20 yrs old. They walked by me, and began to sing " This is the story of a girl, who needed to lose some weight".......I immediately stood up and walked over to them, stopped them and said...excuse me, what did you say?! Neither could say anything. I told them, I heard what they said and it was rude. You don't know me, or where I've been or where I'm going. For your information I've lost 100# and am still losing. You are ******** and will always be ******** Next time you better think twice before you put down a big person. You don't know what made them that way. I was crushed inside though....I went home and cried in Randy's arms. Here I had lost 100# and starting to feel great about myself and these jerks do that! Its great walking into a room now and not feeling like everyone is looking at me or talking about me or having little kids come up to me and say I'm fat, or tell their mom's too look at the fat lady. I FEEL NORMAL now
I hate how society thinks ALL overweight people are big because they are lazy or over eat. Its a disease!! I'm NOT lazy, I'm a clean freak...self proclaimed germophob actually, and always on the go. I drive my family crazy about my 'anal' ways as they call it. lol But I just like a clean home
Plus, I eat more now than I did pre op because I have to be sure to get in my 100-125gr of protein a day. My surgeon said I wouldn't see 300# but I did, and surpassed that! Recently I've been going up and down the same 20# which scares me...I don't ever want to be 500# again.....but my friends and family remind me that everyone gains in the winter and loses in the summer....so I'm going to stay focused and wherever I end up....I'm happy, no matter what. I never had the surgery to be skinny or thin, I had it to become healthier and to have a life again, it gave me that and more!! Sometimes I worry people look at me and think...damn she had weight loss surgery and is still fat......but I'VE LOST OVER 200## PEOPLE!! That is something to be proud of! I'm proud of where I have come and where I am going. It can only get better...because I've come from the lowest I ever was in my life and that day ended 5 yrs ago today.
Id like to say a special thank you to my family and friends....you are the best support group anyone could ever have! I love you all!!
Especially my mom, who was there to care for Alex while I was recovering and to care for me!! You're and awesome mom and friend, I enjoy our gambling outtings together and when we have girls day out with Sophia
Thank you all for reading and God Bless!
HUGS and HEALTH
WHAT A GREAT UPDATE!! I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!! I'M LIKE YOU I AM NOT HAVING THIS SURGERY TO BE SKINNY...I JUST WANT TO LIVE...AND TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A LIFE WITH OUT SO MUCH PAIN AND I WANT TO BE ABLE TO BREATH AGAIN....AND I WANT TO BE AROUND TO WATCH MY GRANDCHILDREN GROW...( WHEN I GET SOME ) LOL....
YOU SHOULD BE SO PROUD OF YOURSELF.....
LUCY
Thanks a bunch! I am proud, but DO wish I would have lost down to 200 or 250. That was my goal.
But I really never exercised, I recently started doing it...and cant wait til its nice out, to take Sophia for walks. I asked for an Eliptical for my bday.....I heard they are good! :)
CONGRATS on your DS surgery date that is just around the corner! HOW EXCITING!!
I will be thinking of you and praying for a fast and easy recovery!
HUGS and HEALTH!
Sugiversary!! I Laughed! I love that and am using it from now on :) Thanks!
OMG Yes my family and friends give me crap because I can remember things from when I was like 3 lol Plus I keep journals....and often go back and read things on special days....that was one day though that will be stuck in my head forever! Thanks again for the support!
HUGS and HEALTH~

