Goal Weight: 195 lbs.
Today’s weight: 216 lbs.
Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return. Genesis 3:19
It’s Ash Wednesday. I guess I’m supposed to ponder my mortality today, but honestly, I face it every time I put my shirt on. On my back is a six (or seven)-inch scar where a malignant melanoma was carved out by Dr. Kenneth Barraza. Melanoma is an extremely dangerous form of skin cancer that spreads like fertilized Kudzu. I was fortunate mine was caught early. And I’ve been given 11 years of life as a reward. To allow myself to get as out of shape as I did was spitting in the face of that gift. I have not made the most of it. I have not always lived in the moment. The greatest sin I have committed was not appreciating the joy of a life that is borrowed. Exercise is an important part of me saying thank you. It’s an important part of me taking care of the body that once tried to kill me.
I’m so glad I’m back on the right track.
Like so many of you, I’m living in very stressful times. My career is changing rapidly — I don’t know where it is going right now, to be honest. I’m watching loved ones struggle with a horrible disease. I’m working long hours. But I am so thankful that I’m alive. That I have the chance to face these challenges. I am thankful I get to kiss my kids goodnight.
Being alive is one thing. Living is another. Thanks to the last six weeks of exercise, I’m beginning to live again.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
You are doing a great job. Congratulations on bettering your health. You are a source of encouragement to so many people who need a chuckle to forget their problems. I am grateful for your sharing your survival story about melanoma. Your struggle raises awareness of health screening for skin cancer. Recently I had six moles removed. I don’t know if I would have gone ahead and had the doctor look at them had it not been for hearing your skin cancer stories. I am hopeful that my treatment will be limited to surgery. So you may think you had not been living due to waging the battle of the bulge; however, you are potentially saving lives of skin cancer patients by your faithful melanoma mission of skin cancer screening.
Love this comment – “Being alive is one thing. Living is another.” How true that is and we are glad you’re living!!!
BTW – in your honor – and because I just can’t find the time after work – I got my behind up at 4:30 this morning and ran at the gym. Needed some endomorphins. I figure if you can get up and drive to JSU for your workout, I can get up and drive two miles for mine :-)