Hi Vets!
I had the great pleasure of visiting Darien today...just a day after she had her RnY. It was the first time that I've ever visited someone so new out of surgery. I must say, it was a great experience for me. I sure do hope that Darien enjoyed the visit.

Sitting with her, as she sipped her lunch and logged her fluid intake was...well...very moving. I sat in that same hospital almost five years ago, doing the very same thing. It was very clear just how excited she was about all that was happening. Being this far down the road, we tend to forget about those feelings. As I sat with her, I remembered how thrilled I was about my own journey...what was going to happen next...how much weight would I lose that first month...what would change in my life...how, who, when, where...so many questions and so much opportunity!

It's very easy to take all of this for granted. Here I sit, so focused on these last 15 pounds, I forget about all that has changed and all that excitement that was there in the beginning. Don't get me wrong...I live every day to the fullest, but I tend to dwell on what I'm not doing right, rather than what I've done right. I think that we're all guilty of that to some degree.

If you're a Veteran and you have the opportunity to visit a newbie after their surgery...please jump on it! You will be inspired and moved, I'm sure of it!

Kim, what a lovely report! I have to say that I am still much more like Darien than I am you because I am still new but it was nice to read your reflections and nice to know that you have altered your focus to living. I can see that happening. In the beginning I was obcessed with doing everything right. There comes a time when so much becomes automatic and you can get back to the business of living. I think having somewhere to go and be with others like us helps so much. That is one of the biggest reasons the neighborhood is so important to all of us.

You make me want to visit a new arrival too!

Very cool for YOU Kim, and I'm happy that you were willing to give Darien all of our good wishes. Thank you for sharing the experience for so many of us!

hugs to you both!

Do you see her holding up the printed out thread of well wishes??? She was so cute about wanting to get her flowers, balloons AND neighbors in the picture.

It was super cool, and when I go to visit the next friend...I'm afraid that it will be for selfish reasons. It did ME a whole lot of good to sit there and soak it all in.

xoxo

Awwww Kim!

This is so certainly the reason our Neighborhood is so different from the rest. It is full of caring and loving people who want to help each other succeed!!! You really inspired me tonight!! Click to view attachment

Kim thanks for this post. As always you lift me up and inspire me. It is always more satifying to do something for someone else. This is definately something that I could do. I will keep me eyes open for a newbie in my area. Hugs.