A Time to Let Go

Hello friends,

It has been more than a month since I last wrote, and I apologize for that. It's been a hard time for me. I am gaining weight again, and there is not a lot I can do about it, except fight it every step of the way.

Many of your loved ones are having the same problem. Most medications that save our lives -- diabetes medication, heart medication, central nervous system meds and many others bring our metabolisms to a halt. It's a never ending battle that must be fought, and it also must be understood. If our doctor does not understand the effects of medication upon metabolism, then we must look for another doctor - one who does understand.

I remember when I first found myself on heart medication. I was 30 years old; I had gained 25 pounds, and my doctor referred to me in his report as "obese." I weighed 134 pounds. He insisted that I hid chocolate cake under the bed and more than a few other insulting remarks. You may have also experienced this. Today I have a woman doctor who is very supportive. I'm on a medication that is interfering with some of my activities, and I am 61 years old. Believe it or not 61 is just a number. I'm over sixty, not dead. And to think that I once thought my life was over on my 30th birthday.

Let me tell you something about medication. New ones are approved all the time. Don't give up on your weight, particularly if you have diabetes. Diabetes is not a death sentence. I'm still controlling mine with diet and exercise. I'm not going to win a beauty contest, but I am blessed with a husband who still sees a young girl when he looks at me. I have got to stop looking at myself in a negative way. And maybe you do too.

Real love does not measure worth in inches. We all grow old. Maybe now it is time for us all to grow up. Maybe now is the time for us to let go of our insecurities and embrace the lives that we have. We have family, friends, and our relationship with God. If we are alone, that relationship with God can carry us through. I can promise that the loneliest times of my life have been filled with a good heart to heart talk with God. He loves that, and I think that we all need it, just as we need Him.

With love,
Jaye Lewis