Her name says it all…. Sparkle.   This woman shines.

I met this amazing woman when her daughter’s name, Gracie Watson, popped up on my class list when I taught school. There are children who are unforgettable (Gracie holds a special place in my heart.) and then there are some parents who are unforgettable. Sparkle was one of them. From the start, I felt like we just clicked and at some point, in a past life our paths had already crossed. Instant friends, I would say.

As I have gotten to know her more and more and from a distance watched her struggle with health and nutrition, I sometimes questioned what’s hindering her. What is it in her soul that she is fighting? That’s when I continued to be me… supportive, guiding, listening, answering questions, and just a light of inspiring words when she needed it (and when she didn’t want it).  

When I felt the moment was right, I asked for her story. I knew she had one, but when was the right time to write it on paper. It’s therapy and it’s hard, but you can relate.

Her strength draws a crowd. Her smile radiates.   Her beauty is inside and out. Her love of life is passionate. Sparkle Watson makes a difference in my life every day.

I love you. Keep doing you.

Mitzi

When I received the text from Mitzi that read, “Well here goes one big favor…I want you to be my Athlete of the Month on my blog.” I immediately gave my phone a brief blank stare and thought, absolutely not. I replied with a “really??” She said, “yes, really.” Suddenly I felt as if she wasn’t asking and I had to do it. You know how she gets down. However, I gladly agreed.

Resilience-

(n.) The ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens.

I grew up in a small town in Alabama. I was a dancer and cheerleader which carried over into my high school years as well. Weight gain was never an issue.

October 1996, almost 2 years after graduating high school, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. The emotional stress and the thought of losing my mom, sent me into emotional eating, depression , and lack of wanting anything out of life. My weight went from 130 pounds to 150 pounds very quickly. I watched my mom battle and beat cancer for over a year with chemo and radiation therapy. She went into remission for a year, just to have it take over her body again and her demise in 6 very short months.

July 16, 1998, my life changed forever. I felt robbed of so many things. I felt robbed of her not being on this earth to see me walk down the aisle, robbed from my kids not getting to know how wonderful she would have been as their grandmother. Depression continued and medication was necessary. I found myself eating more and eventually started with dieting fads that constantly had my weight up and down and feeling like crap. I was drinking tons of sugary drinks and eating lots of fast foods, but thought it was ok since I would take walks. Goodness I was wrong! I was still tired all the time, couldn’t sleep through the night, and if you asked how I was doing or feeling, I would likely respond with, “I have a headache.”

During the years from 2005-2011 I got married, moved to Louisiana, and had 2 girls.

My weight was at an all time high of 195 after having my second kid and was a size 16. I felt disgusting and my breast felt as if they were getting bigger by the day. By this time, the only exercise I could do was a brisk walk or spin. My back was in constant pain from my large breast. I started getting self conscious around every one, my self esteem was plummeting and quite naturally thought my husband found me unattractive.

Then there was Mitzi. One of the “realest” teachers I have ever met in my life. My oldest, Gracie had her for kinder. I would often say to myself, “I wonder if she could help me.” Due to my back issues, I knew exercise would be at a minimum. So I watched and I listened. Mitzi introduced me to Whole30. It taught me how to EAT TO LIVE. I started seeing results with little exercise involved and finally started feeling like myself again.

TODAY!! Last year my husband was offered a job with another bank in Montgomery, AL which brought me back closer to home. I went for breast reduction consultation number 4. Yes, I had 3 while in Louisiana and they were all denied. The plastic surgeon had me approved within weeks. In April of 2017, I had my surgery. Imagine the feeling. My doctor removed over 8 pounds of tissue. I felt brand new! No more back pain! Now I am able to run. Yes, I am running 4-5 miles at least 5 days a week. I am down to 160 pounds and a size 10-12, and I couldn’t feel better. My mood is better, I’m sleeping better, and I am still eating better. I feel as if I have gotten another chance at life. I will embrace this change and stay the course and know that I will reach my goal.

I can’t thank Mitzi enough for giving me back my life. I don’t even think she realizes how much she has helped me along the way. I was watching. I was listening, and I am better and stronger because of you. Keep doing what you do. Don’t apologize for what you do and how you do it. Someone else is watching you just like me. I love you BIG and ROLL TIDE!! J

Sparkle McClain Watson