This letter is one I've been looking forward to simply because it's the one I get to brag on my middle child, Wesley Andrew. I just sent him off on a bus to Florida for his senior trip. He's earned it. He makes good grades, goes to church because he wants to, doesn't get into real trouble (other than the great egging incident of 2010) and he has worked his butt off...literally. Wes was born in August of 1994, two weeks late, and weighing in at 9lbs 11 oz. with a length of 21 1/2 inches. All his life he has been the "big boy", the "Hoss", big boned (his most hated phrase), and just an all round hefty boy. He was born with a personality that was even bigger than his body. He's always the life of any party and has never in his life met a stranger. He's got a heart the size of Texas and loves little kids. When he was in the nursery crawling around he would hug and kiss the other babies. To this day he loves little ones and old ladies too.
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| Middle School years |
All his life we've encouraged him and surrounded him with positive reinforcement. Ha! Still to this day he says that we should have told him how big he was. How do you tell your child his overweight? At least, how do you do it without killing their spirit. His Sophomore year he decided to take Jr. Guard. It's very much like JROTC but sponsored by the National Guard with a few differences. He could barely do a push up or run a mile in anything less than 15 minutes. He failed ever PT test the first year. But he was determined. One thing about my son...he's extremely driven.
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| Jr. Guard was his first real push to get fit. |
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| At his heaviest he was 310 lbs. |
On May 1st last year, without a lot of ceremony, Wes decided he wasn't going to take any more. No more excuses for his size or health. He decided to take it all into his own hands. This video is his story...(By the way, it's time for him to update this since it's been about 6 months since this video was made.)
(I found out after posting that due to him using a song owned by WMG you have to click and view on YouTube...please do. It's worth it)
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The jacket in the picture on the far left fit him with little to no extra room. The jacket in the mirror shot on the right is the same jacket...with room for another person.
Dedication, hard work, and the belief in himself made this happen.
People ask me sometimes if he is sick because he lost so much. I always get what kind of diet is he on or what is he taking to lose weight. Here's the big secret...I don't really cook anything special. He eats what we eat. Dietary here's the deal. He does not drink pop (or soda if you live in certain areas). He stays as far away from HFCS has he can...that's High Fructose Corn Syrup. The rest is moderation. He doesn't deprive himself of anything (including chocolate). He simply balances it out and doesn't pig out on any one thing.
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The second key ingredient to his success is physical exercise. He finally passed a PT test Junior year and then he was hooked. He's true love is running. He runs anywhere from a mile to 9 miles on any given day. He loves it and misses it dearly when he doesn't get to. In 2010, he ran his first 5k coming in 99 with a 34:33 minute placement. This past December he ran it again. This time he was in the top 50 with a 26 minute time. He was awesome and made not only proud but so happy for him. He made one of his dreams come true. He didn't rest on the idea that he was born this way and there was nothing he could do about it. He made a decision, set a goal, and went to work on it to make it happen. Let me also add that in addition to eating in moderation and running, he also does P90X and 8 minute abs. Personally, I think I've died several times just watching him do that P90X.
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| Sr Night & one proud momma |
In the middle of his Junior year, he came home and announced he was going to play football his Senior year. Low and behold, he did. He started that January lifting weights then practiced and played until the season was over in November that year. He once again had a huge obstacle to overcome. You see, these other boys had been playing since conception practically. Other than little league and one year of 7th grade football, he was way behind. They had one of the best seasons they had had in years and he played hard and he got in even better shape.
You're supposed to teach and inspire your children but my son has taught and inspired me for the past couple of years. I've learned from him to respect yourself and your body for its all you have. I've also learned that if you want something bad enough you have to be willing to make the sacrifices.
Wednesday night, I sent him off on his Senior trip...they're going to Cocoa Beach, Florida. For once he won't be the "fat kid" on the beach. He's going to be one of the best looking, fit young men out there. To top it all off, he's still got that big heart of gold and would do anything to make a child giggle and an old lady smile. He's truly amazing. He's inspirational. He's Wesley Andrew.
Today's homophone...
weather (noun) the conditions outside
For Example, I hope the weather is nice and warm for all the seniors who have traveled to Florida.
whether (conjunction) used when talking about a choice between two things.
For example, It's only a matter of days before you learn whether or not you can finish this challenge.
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| Click to be transported to a list of merry bloggers! |
Happy Reading Everyone!
3 comments:
What a great post! Wesley sounds truly inspirational.
He truly is inspirational. I've been blessed to have him for a son.
I love this story, I love all things that end in a positive way! He is growing up to be a truly wonderful adult! Congratulations! Thank you for sharing this on your blog - it's a great source of inspiration!
Roadtrip: On my way from A all the way to Z!
English Speaking Zone
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