Love

Last night, Pete and I started out making dinner together. It soon became obvious that he didn't need my help, so I went downstairs to play with Cosmo. When I came up for dinner, this is what I found:

I know, it's not that impressive. You might be thinking, "Yeah, that's usually what dinners look like." It's in the details: Pork chops seared to perfection, roasted asparagus with just a touch of salt, bread warmed in the pizza oven, my plate already on my food scale.

My dad was a man who thoroughly enjoyed cooking for those he loved, so I'm always very touched when someone prepares a meal with such care (and pride).

Did you know that when Pete and I first "met" (or, rather, when we first took notice of each other), I was the heaviest I've ever been (205 lbs)? Did you know that when we married, I was almost back up that max weight (199 lbs)?

He's never once noticed. In fact, yesterday I had to rustle up a "before" picture to show him how much I've changed. I mean, he gets it; I've lost about 25 pounds. But he doesn't really. Because he never saw me as fat. Not once. And now, he doesn't see me as thinner; he sees me as happier. This man took me when I was at my lowest (unemployed, overweight, hiding out) and put me at my highest. He encourages me in my WW program, but never judges me if I slip. He eats healthier meals with me and doesn't complain. He tells me I'm doing a good job, celebrating successful weeks and brushing off unsuccessful ones. I feel completely comfortable revealing everything to him: the hard, ugly numbers, the tummy rolls, the treats I didn't pass up. He sees or hears about it all and never reproaches me. He even runs at half-speed with me and when I snap "You're not pacing me! I can't go that fast!" he takes it in stride (get it?).

He eats healthier meals with me

He is, by far, my strongest weight loss tool.

And I'm not saying that weight loss would be impossible without him. I'm not saying that I couldn't do this if I were single. I think that any time you're trying to transform yourself, the people around you could go either way. With women, there could be jealousy, competition, judgement, or there could be enthusiasm, encouragement, shared joy. With men, there could be impatience, detachment, opposition to change, or there could be love. I am so, so lucky that my friends, family, and husband have reacted to my mission in a positive way.

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