Thanksgiving feast

Family gathered around the table

Smiles, laughter, love, joy

But what I saw...

Calories. Fat. Guilt. Humiliation.

 

Birthday party

Children running and playing

Happiness, presents, celebration

But what I saw...

Pizza. Cake. Hours at the gym.

 

My bathroom

Slumped over the toilet seat

Finger down my throat

Excitement, pain, relief, shame

Because what I saw…

Thighs jiggling. Stomach protruding. Arms flapping.

 

My living room

Mom sitting across from me

Tears, confession, desperation

And what I saw…

A mother who wanted to help 

 

One year later

Getting dressed for a night out

Looking at my body in the mirror

And now I see…

Beauty. Strength. Triumph.