A Farewell Letter
One week from today, I’ll turn 40…as I reflect this letter I wrote a while ago seems fitting for today.
Dear Obesity,
We’ve had some good times, or so at the time I thought they were good. Mainly most of my memories of you are not so fond. Truthfully, I’d rather have never met you. I’m writing this letter to tell you straight up our very unhealthy relationship has come to an END. I must admit after 38 years, I really can’t imagine life without you. After all, you are all that I know. I’m willing and ready, however, to find out what life is like without you around.
For my entire life, you’ve defined who I am, but no more. As I approach 40, I’ve decided it’s about time I find someone else to spend my time with. You just weren’t that cool to hang out with anyway. I always get funny stares when I’m with you and your name alone carries such a negative connotation. In retrospect, I’m not sure why I’ve been hanging with you as long as I have, it’s clear you never had my best interest in mind. I guess sometimes when you’re really close to someone or something it’s just hard to let go. I’m proud to say, however, I’ve finally come to the end of the road with you. This surely will be a painful journey to rid myself completely of you, but let’s make sure I’m clear, I never, ever want to see you again. For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!
Sincerely,
Chrisetta
P.S. I’ve found someone new –- me and healthy living are doing swell.
Chrisetta Mosley
I am a product – and now a survivor – of childhood obesity. As a child, my family always told me that my extra weight was merely baby fat and I’d eventually grow out of it. I never did. Instead, my childhood is filled with memories of not being able to ride a bike, flattening its training wheels from being over the recommended weight, and avoiding P.E. classes by any means necessary. For years, I wore my fatness like a wounded soldier wears a Purple Heart - with pride. I owned the look. I dressed it up. I worked the room. There wasn't a skinny girl who intimidated me. I made sure my hair was laid just right. Nails polished. Outfits coordinated to the tee. Accessories to compliment every outfit. But everyone has a breaking point, and mine came in the spring of 2004 when I tipped the scale at nearly 400 pounds 388 to be exact. I was MISERABLE trapped inside of that body. I no longer wore my Purple Heart with pride. Rather, I was ashamed and frightened. Ashamed that I had allowed food to become my everything – frightened I would die because of it. Drastic times called for drastic measures... Today, I’m bound and determined to live a better, healthier, active lifestyle. I realize I’m no longer a passenger in my life, I’m the driver. I’m overcoming my inhibitions and I’m slowly but surely saying farewell to my old childhood nemesis, obesity. For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!