This past Thursday was quite possibly the BEST day I’ve had as a Mommy. Ever. And that’s saying a lot.

Mommy & Mini in Central Park

It started simply enough: with Mini-me & trip to the Central Park Zoo. Lots of walking. Hills & such that I handled w/out a second thought or losing breath. That is something that you never really think about until after you realized that the reason you didnt think about it is because it didnt pose a problem as it did BEFORE! But of course one adventure wasn’t enough for Missy Poo. We walked and talked…skipped and played. She love, Love, LOVES Central Park…SO, b/c she had mentioned it on a prior trip, I packed a blanket & we copped a squat and had us a lil’ picnic.

I felt so grateful that we were in that moment…and that I’m ABLE to spend this kind of time with her. Hell, I got misty a few times. Just seeing how happy she was. Some parents NEVER get to spend this kind of time w/their kids. So I’m thankful that God carved out this bit for me. Though the circumstances may not be ideal, and are spending all of this time in NYC to deal with a family health crisis…on top of my under-employment status…it still bears repeating that God’s timing is always impeccable. I was exactly where I was supposed to be doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing.

*headnod* Anyway…We walked some more and spotted what turned out to be the Victorian Gardens mini-carnival. I was hesitant b/c I knew that if she wanted to ride, that I’d have to ride with her – at least the first couple of times. And that sent me into a mini-panic /c I didn’t want to ruin my Sweetface’s first carnival experience. *sigh* So, we go to the first ride – some flying leap frog things. She looks at me and says “Come on Mommy!”. I look at the attendant…she gives me The Look & smile that says “Go ahead!”. So I look at her and ask: “Are you sure I can fit on this thing?!”She

Makes is ALL worth it!

falls out laughing: “Of course you can, Mami! Go!” I say a small prayer. Get on board. Buckle the belt w/out a hitch. Pull down the lapbar without a hitch. And I rideeeeeeeeeee. And after that…we head to the roller coaster (and I fit!)…we head to the flying swings (and I fit!)…we head to every ride in the park (and I fit!). I guess I should mention that at each new ride I asked “Are you sure I can fit on this thing?”. To which I got varied & sundried responses ranging from “uh, yeah. *duh* Why WOULDN’T you fit?” to “You’re kidding, right?” (As they hold open the gate and motion for me to enter). I actually cried a few times during some of my hysterical laughter that I shared with Gianna. Tears of joy. Tears of disbelief. Tears of relief. Tears of gratefulness. And yes…tears to wash away all of the $h!t I’ve been carrying around with me as I go through this transition. *exhale*

It has finally hit me that this time last year – I would have never been able to dream of some of these “adventures” we are going on together. But now… its a reality, and it was the absolute most invigorating (dare I say accomplished) feeling in this whole wide world to be able to experience this particular “First…” with my daughter. It truly, truly was.

And THAT, my friends (and frenemies *lol*) is exactly WHY. I. Did. This. To be able to enjoy this life, and living, and playing, and experiencing…with my child. To know that weight off my frame = years added to my life. To know that even though I might not have it all together, but I still have come a very long way – eventhough there is still much work to be done.

It’s true that surgical intervention for weightloss isn’t for everyone…but it was the best decision I could have made. For ME. At THIS particular time in my life. It’s still a struggle, yes. I have my moments, yes. I even have my doubts that it worked, yes. There is a thin line between perception and reality often times, but for the first time since this journey began. I’m truly at peace. And dare I say a little giddy…about my new reality.

One of the big bonuses (aside from being able to experience new things as a Mommy) is for me to do what I haven’t done in over 7 years: go to an amusement park without fear of fitting on any (every!)thing. I. cannot. WAIT… to hit Kings Dominion and every new ride I’ve missed. *giggety, giggety* IDK what even tickles me more though: the fact that I can get on my rides…or that I can get on HER rides [with her]. *adjusting my thinking cap* Ahhhh. Who am I kidding? It’s the latter… I’m sure!

Life, is indeed…Good. No matter what. And Imma keep it movin’…

I felt so grateful that we were in that moment…and that I’m ABLE to spend this kind of time with her. Hell, I got misty a few times.

I got misty eyed for you too girl!!! I love reading about good strong love between a parent and child!!! You keep up the good work and keep instilling all those great values in your Little Princess!!! Good luck on your weight loss journey!!! Take care!

Truly AWSOME!!! I cried reading your post, and as so many other people have said my children were a big part of my decision to have this surgery, I lost my Dad when I was 26, and feel like I had so little time with him, if I can earn myself a little more time with my family in any way I can. I'll do it.

My favourite moment so far was playing hide and seek at the playground with my 7 year old and my 3 year old, without thinking I climbed up into a plastic tube between two bits of play equipment intended for todlers, and it was only once I was tucked up inside it that I realised I'd managed to fit in there no problems, and whats more it wasn't even creaking a little under my weight!!

OMG!!! Girl--you almost made me cry--right here at work in the midst of a big project. It is awesome to look back at it all and say it wasn't easy but it was worth it!!! OMG!

I don't have any kids of my own either but I would love to do that with my God-babies!

Bravo Chica!! Makes every tear shed worth it, doesn't it? You are doing fantastic and it is obvious that you are a fantastic mommy and a wonderful soul - never believe otherwise!!! If you did that all in one day, just think what the rest of your life has in store for you!!!!!!!!

Luv ya!

K

Awwweee what an excellent time you two had!!

This is one of my dreams, to take my nephew to a big amusement park and be able to fit on the rides. I said it would be one of the things I did once I hit Onederland, and I did that - so I talked to him on the phone and told him we are going to Discovery Kingdom next time he stops by. He lives in Los Angeles and we are in Sacramento, so we only see him every few months.

He seemed really excited and said "That sounds like a lot of fun!"... LOL I can't wait.

You're an awesome Mom I can tell - and very composed. Kudos to you and congrats on your success so far! It was all well worth it.

loved your story! Keep up the good work!

WOW! What a great post! You sound truly happy and ecstatic! I'm happy for you and your daughter! How great that you can spend these special moments together now! Congrats on all your success! Riding amusement park rides again is definitely something I look forward to again. I've already planned a trip to Cedar Point in Ohio (great place!) to take my 15 year old sister next year! Hope I'm ready by then!

Good luck to you and I wish you many more glorious moments that you described!

Best post all day...maybe all week! I'm so glad you got to truly enjoy the effects of your weightloss and enjoy a beautiful day with that precious little girl.

Thank you for the beautiful message. I am awaiting surgery and experience bouts of frustration. Your message is so encouraging and inspiring for me. The best to you as you successfully continue on your journey.