More SP Memories

I saved this one because there is a bit of my Spark history.

 

Thanksgiving

Monday, October 13, 2008

Today is Thanksgiving and I am thankful. It is hard to know where to begin because there are so many reasons I am thankful.

Since I am writing on my spark page, I will list some of my 'spark' reasons.

Back in September 2004, I found Spark People. Sometimes I wish I could remember 'how' I found the site but I guess that part is not important. The important part is that I did and I am thankful that I saw fit to invest the $10 US (approximately) to join for a year. That's right, back then there was a charge but it was low enough (I am very frugal *smile*) that I was not put off by the cost. Before that first year was up, changes were made on Spark People that enabled the site to become free. I am thankful for that.

I started to meet other people across Canada and in the United States. I am thankful we have a computer that enables me to do that.

In the fall of September 2005, I was a bit 'cut off' from my normal life. I returned to Nova Scotia to spend time with my mother during the last stages of her life. At first I was to be gone for about 2 weeks. That was extended to almost 3 months. After Mom died and I came home, I was in a not-so-good state. Spark friends noticed and pulled me back. I am thankful people can reach through computers and do that.

I am thankful that after many months of see-sawing back and forth, I am finally losing. Encouragement and support from Spark friends is helping. Thank you. I hope that I am able to pass along some of that support and encouragement to others.

I am thankful we live where we do. We have fresh produce available. We have safe places to walk and ride bikes.

I could go on and on but I will just say that I am coming before my Heavenly Father with thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2).
Thank you.

AND...

Support

Thursday, October 23, 2008

The topic for today's Healthy Reflections was the value of a supportive 'family'.

It's true - we need support. That is one of the reasons Spark People is so valuable. If the needed support is not found on one team, we can look around for another one.

One of the 'sparks' in my own journey was a comment my husband made one day when I was having difficulty climbing a hill. He stated simply that perhaps I should think about doing something about my weight. I could have chosen to be offended but I knew if was his concern for my health that made him say what he did. Over the years, during my many attempts to lose weight, he has never been critical. He has continued to love me. I am grateful for that.

Today I am at the lowest weight I have been in years. A friend noticed and complimented me. Of course that made me feel good.  Until she said something, I don't think
he realized that I am losing. I know we don't 'see' the people we are around all the time but it also says to me that my size is not as important to him as how I am feeling and whether or not I am healthy.

I am a TOPS member. I have seen how important support is to other TOPS members. Many in our chapter are now widows. They need the support we get from our weekly meetings.

The support on this site is great. I have met so many supportive people who I now consider my friends.

Yes, I agree - the value of a supportive family (whether actual family or the virtual kind) cannot be measured. Thank you for your support.