Elena

[AllyOops!]

GC- you are, in a word, amazing. I read your post outloud, tears brimming in my eyes. You painted such a vivid portrait. The imagery of Elena dances around my mind in a kind of familiar way.

I was an extremely shy & overweight child who always felt awkward. Especially when I couldn't fit into clothes meant for my age group. It was incredibly painful for me. So much so that when my height hit 5"3, I let my weight dwindle down to 72 pounds. To this day, I never thought that I was too thin at that point. Sometimes, I look into the mirror and often find that little round girl looking back at me. You'll never, ever hear me say the "f" word (the one that ends in "at") when it comes to somebody. I despise that word. I'll always look at a person and focus on their beauty. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. I never want to feel the way that I did when I was a little girl, but sometimes I do. I never talk about it, and it's hard to right now. I have no, and I mean NO, tolerance for those that tease people about their weight.

Good golly, I'm glad I have my own office because I have tears brimming again. Why are some people so mean?

At that age, you're far too young to realize that those that mock and laugh are just insecure and immature. Not too mention cruel. Instead, your cheeks burn, your heart and stomach sink like tortured anchors and you cry until your eyes sting.

I ♥ Elena. I've never wanted to hug somebody so much as I do her right at this moment.