My name is Ashley, and I grew up in Chicago as an only child, by two loving parents, and the best grandparents in the world. I was encouraged to try to accomplish every goal I could set for myself. Every time I think about the love and encouragement of my family, I am deeply humbled, and eternally grateful.
With all my successes, there has always been a challenge I have yet to overcome. That challenge is my weight.
For as long as I can remember I have been overweight. No matter how many diets, or exercise plans, I've tried the worse my eating became. As I got older, I turned to food for comfort. Whenever I was upset, angry, or lonely, I would turn to food. In fact, while recently taking a walk down memory lane, everyone of my memories revolved around food.
In 2003, I was diagnosed with PCOS, and pre-diabetes. I was told that both were a result of all the excess weight I was carrying. Almost immediately, I tried to change my eating habits, but before long I was right back to my old habits.
After doing much praying and thinking, I trust that God has lead me to Dr. Marvin's and OSS-Houston. I pray that by taking this step, I am on a healthy path.
This is my journey to a new life......and new choices..
Tomorrow.....Sometimes we take tomorrow for granted. Not really appreciating that we are not promised it.
As I began to prepare for my surgery, I tried to stay in constant prayer. I tried to keep reminding myself that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord. I tried listening the gospel radio station, but nothing really calmed my spirit.
Perhaps that's because the day started so crazy. It began with the discovery that my brand new laptop refused to work. Talk about stressed!!! Then struggling with customer support to explain, I didn't break it and it was their job to fix... When it comes to things I pay good money for, I require good service. But anyway, after three hours of transferring and listening to the mind-blogging on-hold music, my computer was fixed. I thought after that I would gain some sense of relieve. But that relieve never came....
All I could then think about was that three hours of my precious day were gone, and I still had to wash, pack, clean my house and car, go to Walmart, and get to my grandparents house before dark, and it was already 4:00.
It wasn't until I finally arrived at my grandparents house at 9:30pm and opened a card from my mother that I felt calm.
The Maya Angelou card beautifully stated " While everything around you is changing, you are also changing. Trust your new self to adapt in all the things you do. Remember, all that you are experiencing has been to prepare you to live in confidence, to fill the space only you can fill. You will shine through this time."
I thank God everyday for my mother, but no more than I did right at that moment. I believe with all my heart that God places people, and situations around you to encourage, strengthen, and sustain you.
