07/19/2025
🪵 Journal · July 16, 2025 · Toronto
Today marks my third day in Toronto. Honestly, just a few months ago, I couldn’t even imagine having the energy to get on a plane—let alone visit an old friend. I’ve struggled with obesity for years. My body always felt heavy and tired, and even getting out of bed would leave me out of breath. But here I am—I made the trip all the way from Red Deer to finally keep my promise to Helen:
“Once I lose the weight, I’ll come see you.”
Helen’s back porch looks like something out of a postcard. Sunlight spills over the wooden deck, and the air smells of pine and fresh flowers. She set up a woven swing chair just for me, and the moment I sat down, I felt lighter than I’ve felt in years. One of the cushions read “Better at the lake”—and honestly, it felt like that message was meant just for me.
This feels like the start of a brand-new chapter.
The old me constantly turned down invites to gatherings and trips—mostly because nothing fit anymore, and even short walks left my knees aching. But today, here I am, on this peaceful summer porch, looking out at the lake and tall pines, finally feeling calm and at ease.
Helen made us tea—her special blend—and we sat in the sun, reminiscing about our university summers. We laughed, we cried, and it was like time hadn’t passed at all. At one point I blurted out, “It feels like I’ve come back to life.”
I’m grateful for the version of me who didn’t give up.
And even more grateful for who I am now—someone who can sit on a friend’s porch, soak up the moment, and fully embrace life again.
