re: addendum to "Getting to know you" (by Diane U.)

I think this was a great post, and fun too. Let's try this: without getting too personal, name four life-defining moments/events: good or bad. 1.) Having my first born child only to nearly lose her to congenital heart defects. 2.) Witnessing my first born child having her own child, my first grandchild. 3.) Having a heart attack at age 37, with three kids under the age of 10. 4.) Realizing that although it's a lifetime commitment and was NOT an easy choice to make, a procedure as simple as WLS/LAP-RNY truly saved my life. It's emotional impact is far bigger than any physical change I will ever experience from it. I anxiously await the end result of my surgery. I want to see what God intended for me to be. How about all of you? What are your 4 life defining moments? KathyG

I guess I should have read more posts before I posted mine above LOL! 1. When my brother died at age 24 from diabetes, I was 19 and realized people do actually die. 2. The births of my two children. 3. My divorce from my first husband, well I should say the point at which I decided to finally leave. I decided I was worth more than what I was settling for. 4. Marrying my second husband, who is a treasure and a blessing to me and my children. 5. WLS, most definitely. Wendy

Boy, you guys are really having us do some soul searching today!!! 1. Kicking out my bum of a husband that I started dating when I was 15. I had a 6 year old disabled son and a 4 year old, but I had to do it. 2. Taking this crazy job that I have knowing that it would mean a lot of changes for my family. 3. Driving out to Wayne County prison to see my brother who was in for DUI. I realized that even my family could have this kind of bad stuff happen to them. 4. When my son was born and we didn't think he'd make it.

1) Getting pregnant- after trying for 3 years. I worked in a high school and watched kids get pregnant by accident all the time- so when I was about at my snapping point and everything around me was failing (from marriage to end of job contract) I got my good news. Having my son and every day with him since- amazing how much I have changed in order to be the best for him! 2) When I had to come to grips that my MIL was racist and hated me for that reason alone. Her loss- she will never know me or my child and we're pretty cool people. 3) Getting published- after writing for years and joining a writers forum- I finally put it out there, got two rejections but now two acceptances 4) Realizing that I love my family- but it's okay not to like them all the time.

1.) The death of my Mommy on May 10, 2006. She had been sick for 10 yrs with heart/diabetes conditions. She was only 59 yrs old. But she did get to see me lose most of my weight from my WLS. My Mother in Law also passed away Jan 16, 2007, my husband found her dead in her condo from a stroke. So I have lost both my Mothers within 8 months. Both of these losses have changed who I am and who I will be. 2.) Witnessing the birth of my nephew, his father or "donor" as we call him left when he found out my sister was pregnant, so I stepped in to be "Dad". He is turning 10 yrs old today and I couldnt love him anymore if he was my own child. 3.) Having a heart attack at age 32, I had just gotten divorced, left my job of 10 yrs, and moved back to my parents house( very stressful time.) I knew that I would need to do something or I would actually die from my weight related issues. It took me another 9 yrs before I had WLS. This was the best decision I have ever made. This surgery saved my life. Now if I could only talk my husband into having it done. He's starting to come around. 4.)Meeting my wonderful husband online 6 yrs ago. He came over for our second date and he basically never went home. When it's right you just know it. We ordered my engagement ring 5 weeks after our first date. We were married in Las Vegas on May 22, 2002. This is one of my happiest days in my life. All of these moments mold us into who we are, the good the bad and even the ugly. But with each moment we learn a little more about ourselves about what we want and what we dont want. And what we will or will not accept. Thanks for posting these questions!!!

1. Almost losing my daughter to adoption, I was young, had no way to care for her and wanted her to have everything, and figured a couple could do that better than I....by myself, (the sperm donor lol aka her dad, walked away) His loss!!! I can't imagine where I would be if I had gone thru with it. With having her I got an apartment and met my husband who worked across the street at a local supermarket. 2. The birth of my son. 3. The death of my sister at 39 from Liver failure. Was suddenly...and I too thought that was never going to happen to me. 7 yrs later I lost another sister at 49 from cancer and this was 6 weeks after my mother passed away also. bad year! 4. My mothers death fell on her birthday. I was waiting to call her that day till after she had a Dr appt....kinda kill two birds with one stone....so I put off calling till evening. I never got the chance. She died of a massive heart attack at home with my dad, getting ready to go to Drs appt. So life lesson learned, don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today.