This month I've had visits from relatives and old friends who live afar. These are people who have known me all my life, but I haven't seen much of in the last 2-3 years. Naturally, they were amazed and pleased.

They were also a little weirded out. Evidently I now look like my mother, which no one has EVER said of me before. She was a beautiful woman undone in later life by alcohol, but early pictures of her bear a striking resemblance to Lauren Bacall.

So to have an aunt on one day, and an uncle the following weekend, be moved almost to tears by my resemblance to their dead sister was both complimentary and a little sad. I'm really sorry my parents aren't here to see my transformation.

That's really beautiful...

Alex I know your parents would be proud. Its so wonderful that your family is behind you!! You are such a great inspiration to all of us bandsters. Great job!!!

That is so cool. You are very beautiful:)

Oh My how wonderful- I am sure this is a time for lots of tissues & smiles.

Good for you! That's wonderful!

That is absolutely beautiful. What a moving story, and bittersweet. I would love to see a posted pic of your mom and you, side by side. That's amazing, since her brother and sister knew her young and vibrant, and now to see you like that. Incredible.

Kathy, one of the reasons they were visiting was to help clean our attic out of things they might want to keep. (Long story, but my attic is full of family photos and stuff.) So I've been looking for a photo of my mom when she was about my age. When I find one you can bet I'll be scanning it.

I did find one of her in her early 20s, in a studio shot of the early 1950s. She certainly was beautiful! I wonder if that how I might have looked at that age, had I not weighed 250+ lbs.

Your not in your early 20's? You look so young in your pics!!! LOL. Glad you had such a nice NSV and got some quality time with your family. Best wishes, Teresa

Thanks for sharing that with us. It was moving. And since I'm now in the pre-op liquid diet, it made me cry.

Alex, this is so very beautiful!

Very touching.

What a great reminder that when we lose someoone we love, our memories of them will be with us forever.

there with you at Heart!!

Take care God bless.

Thanks for telling us this moving story. How great that you had a chance to see your extended family. Hope you find the picture of your mother at your age (late 20s, right?) that you're looking for.

I'm really sorry my parents aren't here to see my transformation.

They see it, you jus dont see them...but they see you! Im sure they are pleased.:banana

Alex, we'll look forward to seeing a side by side. I can't think of a greater tribute to your Mother.