APRIL 2015
CRISTINA
My Cris. Everyone's Tina.
Cristina and I met when I was at my heaviest. I was ready to make one of the largest turns in my life. At age 30 and 318 pounds I was going back to school and practically starting all over again. I was nervous about my size and making new friends. After the first lecture break I invited strangers to go to lunch with me. Cris was a last minute addition who just jumped in the car when we all told her to join us. I still remember her jumping into my car all giggly and asking, "where are we going?" - I said, "Don't worry, we'll figure it out" - TRUST.
She came into my life during a time I was rebuilding myself. In some ways she reminded me of me. Crazy, wild and free but with a mission! She loved to have a good time and party. I stuck to her and warned her of my past mistakes. She kept me on check for assignments. We pushed each other to our limits and she always impressed me. Her stamina to keep going...her will to complete the course...it all kept me afloat. We made it to our AA graduation without the original pack. Then 2 years later our BA. Then came life after graduation ... weight loss.
Cris joined Weight Watchers (WW) and I followed my own track. We took a lot of fitness classes together at the beginning of our weight loss journey. We also shared distinctions we made including the fact that weight loss was more about being healthy and less about the number on the scale. Once my weight loss results came to a halt I joined WW with Cris. By then Cris was more than halfway there. She once again amazed me. She met goal within a year and wore the dress she wanted for her sisters quinceanera! Cris is now a WW lifetime member and continues to work on her fitness goals. She will be joining me on various 5k's, the Yosemite 1/2 Marathon and the Spartan Sprint in 2015. YAY!
Cris I thank you for who you are. You're tenacity is unmatched and it keeps me going. Thank you for helping me rebuild myself and for being there through the best and worst of times. Most of all for letting me in and for allowing me to experience all of you. You are truly beautiful in and out. Much love to my beautiful warrior! ROAR
