#192: I Saw Her But I Didn't See Her

Since being on SparkPeople I have read hundreds of blogs and profile pages. The ones that most often bring sympathy tears to my eyes are the ones with stories of members who do not go out to theme parks or restaurants or other public places because of the person's size.

I saw what could have been a perfect example of this at dinner tonight. Three adults and a child were to be seated at a booth adjacent to mine. One woman was very large. She looked at the booth, which does not have much room between the edge of the seats and the table, and shook her head.

The hostess asked if they'd prefer a table but the lady said, "No, I don't want to sit on a chair." Was she fearful of the chair not holding her weight? It was hard to tell. Finally, after the others sat in the booth, she forced herself onto the bench seat.

It looked to me as if she was uncomfortable. But at least she was dining out. A plus for her.

I admit that before I began reading so many blogs and profile pages on SP, I really didn't give much thought to such situations. Before I probably would have simply wondered why she didn't just lose some pounds.

But it seems I've been educated. In a good way. I saw this woman, but I didn't see her, if that makes sense. I observed her but didn't focus so much on her excess weight as having feelings for her difficulty. Because now I know how hard it is for many people to actually lose weight. I'm one of them. Too many medications that contribute to weight gain, too little beginning understanding of calories and nutrition and injuries that limit exercising.

Now, after six months here, I am more informed, not only about fitness and nutrition but also about the trials members endure every day.

Yes, I saw this woman tonight, but I didn't see her. Makes sense to me now.