Cari_C
Being born as an only child growing up, I was very spoiled. Anything I wanted, I got. My parents tried so very hard to provide me with a little brother or sister, but Mom almost died the second time she lost the baby. When I was in the fourth grade, I really started putting on a lot of weight. That was the last time I wore shorts in public. Throughout my high school years I weighed approximately 180-190lbs. Why did I think I was chubby back then? I don't know. My senior year of high school I became pregnant. I was only 17 years of age. It was a very tough year for me. During my third month of pregnancy is when things got really bad. I was bed ridden for three weeks, while after losing my baby. Ever since, I have been devestated. It was traumatic for me to go through such a hard thing like this, as it would be for anybody else. I graduated from high school a little late, but was able to do it. My parents hit me with some horrible news a few months later, that they were seperating. How could this happen, when all this time everything seemed perfectly normal. They tried so hard to show me the family lifestyle, and made it seem like they were the happiest married couple ever. I was wrong. I'm going to have to admit, I am very thankful they waited until I was mature enough to understand. I love my parents to pieces. They have given me such a beautiful life. When I was about 20 I developed a horrible/painful cyst on my tailbone. I had it removed, and was down for over a year after. I gained a tremendous ammount of weight afterwards. I was a nanny for my cousin for 3 1/2 years. I've learned all the tricks of becoming a future Mother, and that's always going to be my dream. I met a man not long after turning 23. We dated for a few months, then moved into our own place. We became engaged a few months later, and got married on November 6, 2004. Unfortunately almost two year into our marriage, things began to fall apart. He was caught having an affair with his co worker. I felt being married, I couldn't just walk away and give up. We got marriage counciling, and I worked so hard to make it work. The trust was just conpletely gone, and wasn't coming back. A year and a half later, we decided to seperate and remain friends. We began our divorce process in December of 2008, and move on in our lives. I have now met a wonderful man, that has completely swept me off my feet. Where has he been all my life? I really don't know. As we tell eachother that life is a learning process, and had we not taken all the steps we have we would have never learned as much as we know now. I've learned what being in love really is, and it was well worth the wait.
I would like to take the time to mention the wonderful Step Brothers, Matthew, and Frankie, and Step Sister Cassandra. They are the sister and brothers I dreamed of having. My Dad met a wonderful lady Diane, that has been very good to him. Especially after almost losing my Dad in 2006 from two heart attacks. She's been great support to him. I've watched him suffer from Diabetes all my life, and know that if I don't do something now, I will be in his shoes very soon.
So, my next step was to have the Gastric Bypass Surgery. I learned so much in class, and met so many wonderful people. I've joined a couple support groups, and have had so many people going through all I am, reach out and touch my heart. It's amazing how many helpful hands are out there, to guide me through this new life ahead of me.
I'd like to take this time to thank My Wonderful Parents, My Family, and All My Friends I have met through my journey, from the bottom of my heart for being such great support to me. You have no idea how much it means to me, to have you there with me on my day (February 29th, 2008). You are all my guardian angels, and I love you so much.
I'd love to dedicate what I am going through to a very special person. She was my Aunt Joanne (a.k.a. Auntie Jo Jo), that passed away on August 9th, 2005. She was a very large woman, that I watched struggle every day of her life, until the end. This was a dream of hers, to have this surgery. She was waiting on a list, for hers. But due to a blood clot rushing to her lungs, and killing her she didn't get to fulfill her dream. I love you and miss you Aunt Jo Jo. I know you'll be watching over me.
Thank you all for taking the time to read my long story. It means a lot to me, that you care to hear what I have gone through.
