Dear FullofGrace,
I was directed to this site by accident and was not a member until I read your post. I am still not clear as to what this site is all about but I had to join in order to post this note to you.
I feel a terrible sadness for Father Chuck. You see, I am not a heavy person, but I am aware of the hurdles that heavy people face each and every day. I see it each day, for I work in a Catholic elementary school and there are two youngsters that come to mind while I write this. They are both girls in the 6th grade. They are both terribly overweight and obviously depressed about it. The other children in their class do not make fun of them or tease them, as that is not tolerated in our school. However it is clear by the routines of the day that they are not welcomed into many of the activities the children engage in during recess or free-time. I pray for them each day and hope they find the strength to rid themselves of their excess weight in order to be healthier people, and also to help their self-esteem. I pray that while they do that, they learn to love the people they are and realize that God makes us all beautiful.
I appear to have gone off track, but I wanted you to know that while many can seem intolerable of heavier people, most of us do understand, and we are pulling for you. Perhaps in reality, Father Chuck did not die in vain. Perhaps God needed him to send a message that you need to take the best care of yourself that you can. Please know that my prayers are with you and Father Chuck.
~Laura.