Comparison Time

I think it's time for me to post some comparison photos.

Me & Zoë, May 2009

Me (-115 lbs.)  & Zoë  September, 2010

I know I used to be 115 pounds heavier.  But seeing the difference here just blows my mind. 
How did I live like this for nearly twenty years?

Disney Cruise, April, 2008.  This is how I used to get around on vacations or in stores.  With my history of knee problems and eventual knee replacements at age 34 & 35, the extra weight just made it impossible to walk or stand for more than a few moments.

Now I can stand, walk, and participate in life!  Granted, this is not the best picture of me.  The wind was blowing my hair all around as I was fighting back tears on my baby's first day of preschool!  (Not very successfully, I might add.)  Still, the difference is pretty clear, don't you think?

This has been an amazing journey, thus far.  I'm looking forward to losing the remaining 85 pounds.  Thanks for coming along for the ride!

Before I sign off, I'd like to ask you to keep my mom, Rosanna, in your prayers.  She undergoes surgery on Monday (9/13) to repair a break in a foot in which the bone is disintegrating.  This is a temporary fix with no guarantees of actually working.  She will eventually lose the use of her foot and be wheelchair bound.  We are all hoping that this surgery will temporarily allow her to walk without the constant pain she endures on a daily basis.

Mom has a form of Muscular Dystrophy known as CMT-Charcot Marie Tooth Syndrome.  It is something that we only recently discovered runs rampant in our family on the maternal side.  I also have this disease, as does my brother, my 15 year old nephew, my late Grandfather, my late Uncle, and various distant relatives.  In fact, the diagnosis of CMT that I received when I was 40 years old provided an explanation for all of the joint pain, dislocations, injuries, and necessary surgeries throughout my lifetime.  

Mom is currently participating in a 2 year study to help scientists learn whether or not Co- enzyme Q 10 has a positive effect on CMT.  Through all of her pain, she and my father travel to Johnstown, PA and back every 6 weeks to endure batteries of tests in the hope of finding a cure.  I pray that God will grant her some relief, and that this study will prove to be beneficial.


Until next time,
Nancy