Family Matters

[Deborah Jovan Reed]

Let's Recap:

2000: A size 12 who felt like a size 28, Emma leaves home for college hoping to escape the constant abuse from her family and start a new life as an independent woman.

2005: A size 26-28 who felt like she were a size 10, Emma returns to see the family, her mother having just died, and spends 39 hours button-lipped as the many generations snicker and harass over how large she'd gotten.

2008: A size 24 wearing the clothes size 5X (whatever size that is), Emma returns to see the family, her grandfather having died, and as soon as she placed her red rose on his casket takes the next flight home declaring she'd never return for as long as she lived.

~~

2012: Emma - a successful elementary teacher, recently engaged, and wearing size 16 for the first time in over ten years - looks for her sister Paula at the airport and barely recognizes the sumo-sized woman until she hears, "Damn girl, can't you lose any weight?'

Many responses come to mind such as: 'Fuck off', 'Kiss My Bony Arse', or 'I think I might still have some clothes back home that'll fit,' but instead she smiles and when she reaches Paula she hugs her tightly, "I love you, too." She points in the direction of her fiancee - 382-lb accountant with the body of a linebacker - who was struggling to find their luggage, "He taught me that."

[Michael J. Malervy]

Congratulations on both the weight loss and an inspirational 6S!

 

[Deborah Jovan Reed]

The last time my father came to visit - a year or so ago - I was sitting on the floor enjoying some Cheetos before lunch and he harasses me (you're never going to lose weight that way. that's why you're fat. etc.) so I start to cry and leave, deciding to walk home from my sister's (about three miles) - he's a monster of a man and forced me back into the house where I just sat on the sofa and cried.  I can't wait for him to see me now though because I'm a size 16 and still enjoying my Cheetos in all their styles.

[Jeanette Cheezum]

This hits home in so many ways. I hear these comments from some of my family members that supposedly are joking with each other or while watching TV. It hurts me to see them say such unimportant crap.  When they should enjoy each others company and be proud of the fact they have  family or friends. "IT'S NOT THE PACKAGE IT'S THE GIFT INSIDE."

[Deborah Jovan Reed]

@ Kristine - thanks, now if I could just get rid of these flabby arms... I can wear 16-18 in tops too if it weren't for the sleeves.

[Kristine_ES]

bolton, so right. the high road is the harder road. far more satisfying to tell somebody to kiss it, ... but Deborah's Six ended just right.  *thumbs up* btw on the story and your accomplishment. 

[Deborah Jovan Reed]

Thanks Angela & Bolton:

I wrote it in tribute to my being able to wear a size 16 for the first time in about 10-11 years.

Last November I'd written a 6S about fitting into size 18 and last week I'd bought a pair of jeans for $2 without trying them on my eyes thought it said 18 - I still need mostly 20's - but when I put them on, had to suck in my gut until the fabric relaxed, they fit and later that night I found them to be a 16.

Also, my sister did that to me when I'd come home for summer break after my second year of college, didn't even say 'hey' or 'welcome home' just, "Damn, you're fat!"

The rest is fiction. :D

[Angela]

I struggle a bit with body image, too, and imagine myself to be quite different than what I am.  This is a good story, and one that sheds needed light on the issue of size-ism.  Engaging read.  I liked the timeline device you employed.

[bolton carley]

oh, that ending makes me melt.  the high road is hard but it's worth it.  love the progression here.