I am not the fat friend, daughter, wife, mom, sister, or teacher. I will also never be the skinny friend, daughter, wife, mom, sister, teacher. I may never be the hot friend, daughter, mom, sister, or teacher. I can and will no longer be defined by how I look on the outside. Yes, I used to be skinny, and then I got fat. That seemed to be where the conversation, and my thoughts always focused. But you know what? Not anymore. No longer will my thoughts be on my weight, high or low, fat or skinny. Instead consider this.
I am your triathlete friend, daughter, wife, mom, sister, or teacher. The one who has completed 2 triathlons and a 1.2 mile swim, and is signed up to do a half-Ironman aqua bike and two other triathlons this summer. I am your trustworthy, dependable, shoulder to cry on. I am the one willing to listen and always be there for you. I am your smart friend, daughter, wife, mom, sister, or teacher. I am your liberal friend, daughter, wife, mom, sister, or teacher. I will always value your opinions and beliefs, even if they are different than mine, even while holding steadfast to my own. I am your friend who is also a mom, daughter, sister, wife, and teacher. I am your daughter who is also your friend. I am your wife who is also your friend. I am your mom who is also your friend and your teacher. I am your teacher who is also your friend, surrogate mom, or sister. I am your singing (mostly on Rock Band) friend, daughter, wife, mom, sister, or teacher. I have been singing for more years than most of you have known me, and yet haven't been known as a singer by most of you. I can be pretty decent, but have a friend who would make your heart sing to hear her. I am your friend, daughter, wife, mom, sister, or teacher who will always put you above myself. You can always count on me to try my hardest to make you happy, no matter what.
Most of all, YOU are my friend, parent, husband, son, daughter, brother, sister-in-law, or student that mean more to me than you will ever know. You are my support. You are my encouragement. You are the reason why I strive everyday to be the best I can be. You are the one who sees me for who I am, not what I look like on the outside. Thank you, and I love you.
