Dawn Walker from Texas

My story starts with my (then) 3 year old daughter - three days before her 4th birthday. When she was asked what she wanted for her birthday she very proudly stated, "I want Mama and Daddy to stop smoking...so they will live a long time!" This struck both of us very hard. We had been trying to quit for a long time and had some real failures in the past. However, this was different. Our daughter depended on us to succeed so we would be with her a "long time." It has been almost three years now and neither of us have looked back at smoking like we did in the past. The road was a long and hard one.  There was stress and tears, but it has been worth it. I love that I can breath freely, taste my food better and know that I have added years to my life to spend with my daughter.

Children are very aware these days and when I asked her what she wanted last year she said, "I want Mama to lose weight so you don't hurt so much anymore and can play with me." I asked her if I tried to lose weight would she help me since she was going to be 5 now...she said "YES!" We bought bicycles and roller skates...OUCH! We changed what, when and how we ate. I can say I have lost some, but not alot of weight - in total 40 lbs. We are still working on it. My goal at 5'0" is top weigh 145. Currently I looking at loosing another 100 lbs. My daughter has changed my life. Three years ago I never would have thought I could quit smoking...and I did and so did Daddy.  One year ago I would have told you I could never lose the weight. Today I know I can.  It just takes time. My personal trainer (age 6 in a few months) has what it takes to get me to the top of the next hill. She is my personal cheerleader too!