Time to Pay it Forward - Strength in Numbers

Yesterday was NOT a great start to my Bee Fit test.  My family came over, and my plans of going out for a run were altered.  By the time they left, I just couldn't bring myself to go to the track.  I'm not proud of that - but it was the first day.  Have to be honest and admit it...today is a new day!

I may not have gone for the run that I had planned - but I did do something else....something big, something I consider to be GREAT....

Let me give a little back ground story...

I have a second cousin that I haven't really spoken to since I was in high school.  Her mom - my cousin - helped me out when I was pregnant with Peanut.  It was a tough time of my life, and the relationship between my mother and I was...urm...let's say - strained.  My cousin was there for me when no one else was...she helped me out even though she didn't have to, she wasn't asked to, and she just took it upon herself to help a family member out.  I will always be grateful to her for that.

Now, fast forward eleven years.  Her daughter is now in trouble.  Not the kind of trouble I was in - but she needs help.  She is 20 years old and weighs around 400lbs.  From now on I will be referring to my second cousin as Inspiration.  Inspiration has been overweight for as long as I've known her. 

Inspiration has a personality that makes you love her from the moment you talk to her.  She's bubbly, funny, friendly - and will do just about anything she can for someone....just like her mom. 

Despite not having seen her in many years, I have been friends with her on Facebook.  Two weeks ago, she posted a Vlog about starting a weight loss journey.  She has taken on the assistance of a doctor, been placed on prescription medications - and her situation is considered DIRE.  She's so overweight that it, literally, is a situation of life and death that she shed some weight.

I watched her first Vlog, and my heart hurt for her.  She spoke about her withdrawals, the headaches, the emotions that flood through her when she realizes she can't eat something or she will fall into the traps of her food addiction. 

Yesterday, she posted her second Vlog.  To say that my heart hurt for her was an understatement - I was in tears just 2 minutes in.  She has managed to lose 16lbs in a week - which is huge - but she then broke down with the emotions of not seeing any differences, having to put up with abuse from people as she tries to get out and exercise.  She spoke about how she was alone in her journey, and it was so hard for her.  If that wasn't a cry for help - I don't know what is....I got the message loud and clear, and jumped into action.

I immediately picked up the phone, dialed her number, and waited for her to answer.  She was very surprised to hear from me.  I asked her if she was receiving any fitness help in addition to the medical services she was receiving.  She told me that her doctor had advised that she walk 1 mile a day - but that was it.  I asked her if she'd like a trainer, a partner in her journey, someone to be there and help guide her?  I laughed when her response was "how much will it cost me?"  She thought I was going to recommend someone.  I told her it would be absolutely FREE - and that it would be ME.

We had a great conversation.  She sounded excited - and I was so happy to be able to offer her some companionship.  We all know how hard this journey is - but I could never imagine doing it completely alone.  My support I receive from my friends here has really helped get me where I am today... she needs the same kind of support and has none.

I look at this opportunity as a way for me to pay it forward.  I want to open her eyes to the support that can be found online.  I want her to start her own blog and join the weight loss community.  I want to meet with her a couple of times a week and train her...yes, I'm going to train her!!  Above all of that, I want her to know that she doesn't have to do this alone.  I will be with her every step of the way.

In addition to being there for her, she will get to be there for me.  This gives me another purpose to keep fighting my own battles...overcoming the obstacles that I'm currently facing.  I want to lead by example - so I have to give her my all and show her what she can accomplish.

I will be sharing Inspirations story as it moves along - and hopefully will be able to get her to share her own story with you all.  Be watching!!

Now, I have to get my rear end to the track...despite the fact that it's 85 degrees outside...I'm not skipping it today.

Till next time. ;)

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