Chapter 1: A Milestone Birthday

As my daughter eagerly awaits her birthday, she's been counting down the days since March 9. Last Sunday, she reminded me that we are just 16 days away from her special day. Fortunately, her birthday celebration is scheduled for April 21, giving me some extra time to prepare.

While I am excited, I also feel a sense of disappointment regarding my health goals. Despite my efforts, I had hoped to achieve greater weight loss, improved mobility, and enhanced endurance by now. The thought of managing all the responsibilities for Sophie's party, while being active and social, fills me with apprehension. I fear that my current struggles may unintentionally embarrass her.

Though there are challenges, there are also positives. Sophie has developed a deep sense of empathy and understanding towards disabilities and differences in appearance, which is more than what many children her age possess. Yet, turning ten is a significant milestone for her, and I can't help but reflect on my own journey and the challenges I currently face.

This birthday also marks an important moment for me, as it signifies a decade of my experience with lipedema. My condition worsened significantly during my pregnancy with Sophie, which was already complicated by PCOS and severe pre-eclampsia. I faced extreme swelling, limiting my footwear options to slippers, and this period marked the beginning of more severe lymphatic damage.

In retrospect, my weight began to climb during those early years in Tennessee, particularly while breastfeeding. I felt as if my body was changing in ways I couldn't comprehend, unaware of the necessary treatments to manage my condition effectively.

It's ironic how my understanding of lipedema has evolved. If I had known earlier how pregnancy could exacerbate my condition, I might have made different choices regarding motherhood. Had I been informed, I would have prioritized staying active and addressing my health concerns instead of focusing on romantic relationships.

A decade ago, I was engulfed in fear and uncertainty about becoming a single parent, never anticipating the wonderful moments that lay ahead. Despite the challenges, I wouldn't trade my experience for anything, as Sophie has brought immense joy into my life.

Of course, I recognize the toll that pregnancy took on my health, but I wouldn't want to imagine a life without her. Today, I can unequivocally say that Sophie is the best part of me. She is worth every struggle and hardship that comes with my condition, and she inspires me to strive for better health.

Sophie is an incredibly cheerful and kind-hearted child, and even during my lowest moments, being her mother motivates me to keep pushing for improvement. I worry about losing my mobility and what the future holds for her, especially since she can't rely on her father for support. My financial situation adds to my anxiety, but despite these worries, I find peace in knowing that she is worth fighting for.

If it weren't for Sophie, I might have given up long ago. She's the reason I've experienced genuine positivity within my family. Although life isn't perfect, my determination to improve and manage my condition fuels me every day.

That's why I strive to tackle tough challenges, like going to the YMCA. I'm making progress, albeit slowly, and Sophie is excited about turning ten because it means she can join me at the gym. For her birthday, she's hoping for a fitness tracker, a cat carrier backpack, and Disney gift cards, showing her investment in my journey to better health.

Despite the obstacles we face, she dreams of traveling and keeping pace with me. I share those dreams and am committed to working toward a future where we can achieve them together. I believe we can break cycles of generational trauma and build a better world for ourselves and future generations.

I'm currently crowdfunding for my ongoing treatments related to lipedema and lipo-lymphedema as I work towards regaining strength and mobility. Please share the link to raise awareness about this condition often misunderstood.

If you appreciate my efforts to promote awareness and support my health journey while encouraging Sophie, consider visiting me on Ko-fi or Truthurts.substack.com.

Chapter 2: Celebrating Sophie's Milestone

In this video, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of "SOPHIE'S SQUASH," reflecting on its impact and significance over the years.

Join us in the joyous celebration of Sophie’s 10th birthday in "HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY SOPHIE!!!" as we share our heartfelt wishes and memories.