Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Diet - deadline is 8-9-12 9:59 am NY time. (08/02/12)
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TITLE: Blue Jumpsuits | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sharon Eastman
08/09/12 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“Mommy! The kids are making fun of me!” Tim cried as he entered the kitchen.
“Oh, Honey! What did they say now?” I inquired with an accelerated heartbeat and moist eyes.
“They called me ‘Fatty’ and said I couldn’t get through a garage door.”
“Well, you’re a handsome boy. Your blue eyes shine, your smile is inviting, and your hair is in the latest style. You should hold your head high and be proud. They’ll leave you alone if you don’t let them bother you.”
“But, Mom, they make fun of my clothes, too!”
“I won’t make you wear those blue jumpsuits I sewed to fit you. We’ll go shopping someday and get you trendy clothes.
“Okay,” Tim sobbed.
My heart wracked with sorrow as I pondered Tim’s plight. It’s heartbreaking when your child doesn’t fit in with his peers. Any difference, whether chubby or thin, calls for torment from the popular group.
Tim was a very intelligent, sensitive child for eight years of age. His golden, wavy hair surrounded his face, and his blue eyes sparkled like the sun. As he was a top student, his school grades were excellent. An avid baseball fan, he played Little League for exercise, but it didn’t help.
The only problem was that he was about twenty pounds overweight. His tummy rolled over his waistband, and his double chin wiggled when he talked. He never outgrew his baby fat. He was conscience of his problem, and he wanted a solution. Like all children he wanted to be like the others.
I made a doctor’s appointment for Tim after praying about the situation. When it was Tim’s turn, the doctor cheerfully greeted us. “You’re in good health, Tim. All of your vital signs are normal, and your overall condition is good. However, there’s one problem,” said Dr. Rosen.
“I know,” Tim said. “I’m too fat.”
“Yes, a little plump, but with a new food plan and exercise you can overcome it. No more blue jumpsuits,” she laughed.
Upon our exit the doctor gave us the name of a weight loss group for children. I was a little leery, and Tim felt ashamed to go. Fortunately, we went, and a new world opened up for Tim.
There, he realized that he wasn’t the only child with a weight problem. That news built his self-esteem, and with it came a strong desire to get in shape. The word “diet” was never mentioned, yet a reduced calorie menu plan was presented. They learned the “bad” nutrition of fast foods, and they acquired a taste for fresh vegetables and fruit. They learned tips to avoid salty and sugary treats. An exercise regime was taught, also.
At the end of two months Tim lost 16 lbs. He looked bright and shiny as a toy fire engine, and he was brimming with energy.
We had a celebration time at the mall picking out his new wardrobe. He was delighted with his form-fitting jeans, his Tiger T shirt, and a new Tiger cap. “Hey, Mom, it feels awesome to be skinny! Can we throw away the blue jumpsuits?”
“Yes, of course, wear those new clothes with healthy pride.”
I wrote that story about myself in the masculine form. Yes, I’ve had weight problems all my life, and I know the agony that kid’s teasing can bring. I wasn’t that fat, but I was a little different. The teasing was merciless. I, therefore, went on all kinds of diets; the hamburger diet, the grapefruit diet, and the low carb diet, etc. Today, I am a diabetic. I don’t know what caused this malady, but proper and nutritious eating didn’t do it.
God has even included in the Bible some passages that address healthy eating. In Daniel 1:8-21 (KJV) Daniel refused to eat the king’s rich food. He preferred fresh vegetables and water. In ten days Daniel’s diet made him glow with health and life. All were amazed!
I don’t believe in diets, jumping on the scale endlessly, and counting calories. I just enjoy my meals with the good company of my family and the blessings of the Lord. Bon Appetit!
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Thanks for sharing, wonderful job with this piece.
God bless~