The Sign

My 8 ft. poster is now taking over the entire left front corner of the waiting room in the clinic. It's hard to miss.  It greets you with a giant cheesy grin like some overly enthusiastic, geeky chick ready to start dancing on the bar after drinking one light beer.  You can't help but notice.

As flattering as it is, it's still awkward sitting next to your own larger than life image. It's not something that I could have ever conceivably envisioned would happen to me when I could hardly button my size 24 pants.  I came into the clinic as a last ditch effort to lose weight, and never thought I would  even reach my goal let alone be on any of their printed advertising.  The photos were going to be for me as a way to celebrate changing my life and now maybe they can affect others...

How that smile crossed my face is still beyond me?  It must have been something funny my dad said about channeling my inner Mary Tyler Moore behind the intense photographer at the photo shoot, as grimacing from ear to ear isn't a typical expression for me. That and the fact that I was just really elated to be able to wear a dress again and to stand in front of a camera and not be embarrassed for once.

That day ranks up their with one of the best moments of my life not only because of that but because my father was there.  I didn't ask him to come because I didn't think it would interest him but he surprised me.  It was my last significant memory with him and so when I see it, I see him too.  In a way, it almost feels like a sign from him to let me know that he's got my back.

But I swear, if the staff isn't already tired of seeing me walk through the door for almost four years, they will be. I think there's also a picture of me on just about every wall at this point as if I'm entering my very own memorial. 

What could possibly be next - magazine covers, a guest appearance on Dr. Oz?  If  a doll comes out in my likeness, (with my father's nose and my trademark crooked smile and wide hips), then run for cover.  The end of the world is fast approaching!