[blondie29697]

bluebird - what a nice idea for the photo albums for the grandparents for Christmas. I know they will enjoy them.
jeandeannette - I have been big and lost weight all my life. At 21, I was slim, at 41, I was slim, now 64, guess it is time to get slim again. I did lost a lot of weight last year walking every morning at 7AM with a 77 yr. old who encouraged me. He could run circles around me although I'm so much younger than he is. He does it daily. So when the repairs are done on my house in a few days, I'm ready to walk again, but not outside in the cold weather in SC, but I've joined the Recreation Center which has an indoor track and some exercise equipment. I did go there a few times and feel comfortable there.
With my Mother, I could never get thin enough to please her. She talked about weight all the time. Many did not know that one time she was "fat". Finally, when she was 91, I got her to stop talking to me about weight, other people's of course. She knew 3 people who were childhood friends of mine who got to 450 lbs. When I lost weight, she'd tell my friends I used "to be fat". Then, when I'd gain weight, she'd tell them I "used to be thin". It was a no win situation, so I just forget trying to please her. I can run cirles around most people my age and tell them so. It is only the 77 yr. old man who can run circles around me. I also tell people that most seniors take many meds. I take one and man vitamins and I'm very healthy!
I did get teased all through school about my weight and in my family too since they were all "thinner than I was".. Now, I don't care, do what I want , when I want, find nice clothes to fit me in the thrift shops or Kohl's at a cheap price and get many compliments on my clothes. So, I do understand what you have gone through. Surround yourself with those who love you for who you are!