On Feb. 22, the Fairmount chapter of TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) met in the Crest View Gathering Room. On a blackboard were written the words from Second Timothy 1:7, "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." The night was special for a number of reasons.
Rita Richard, who oversees the group, had arranged for a cooking competition featuring low-fat and low-sugar recipes. Her husband, Kent, judged the dishes along with Aaron and Kate Zimmerman and Mitch Hannah. As awards were given out for entries that included meatballs, shrimp, and chocolate and strawberry desserts, Rita promised that recipes for all the entries would be gathered in a booklet for all the members. The delicious-looking entries were spread over a table at one end of the room, and the members were abuzz with conversation, a setting more akin to a fellowship meal than a weight-loss group.
The air of celebration encompassed more than the excitement over the competition. The evening was also a time to mark important milestones for members Lori and Andy Miller, who were named queen and king in their respective weight loss divisions in the chapter for their accomplishments.
The group was celebrating Lori's Century Mark, meaning that she has lost more than 100 pounds. Rita presented Lori with a number of gifts, including a bouquet of artificial roses in a variety of colors. Rita explained that each color of rose stood for a special thought. "Yellow roses are for joy and celebration ... pink roses are for admiration," noted Rita, who added that other colors stood for rejuvenation, energy and invigoration, and exultation. "We know your faith has been your help through and through," said Rita, who also gave Lori a collection of 100 notes of encouragement for her to open daily for the next 100 days. Lori also received a shirt emblazoned with the words "Crafted in His Image." Rita read the smaller lettering on the shirt for all the room. "The fine print says, 'We are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ so we can do good things that He planned for us all along,'" said Rita, adding, "We are very proud of you and want to celebrate this occasion."
Lori stated that she started attending TOPS two years ago at the end of January at the urging of her mother, who was attending a TOPS group in Rhode Island. "She knew I wasn't feeling great, and she was worried for me," noted Lori. "She would not let it go until I called TOPS." Lori decided to join, feeling that the group would help her stay accountable. "I have learned things," said Lori. "It's encouraging. It's friendship, and it keeps me honest."
By working with her doctor, Lori was able to set a weight-loss goal they both felt would be healthy for her. "When I first came, I would have been (thrilled) to get to a size 14," Lori said. "But when I got rolling, I was learning and encouraged." Eventually, Lori lost 105 pounds according to the TOPS scale. "Now I am a size 10, and I never imagined I would be this size," said Lori.
Andy began attending TOPS with Lori to be supportive. "It wasn't an easy decision to come here," Andy admitted. However, he liked what he heard at meetings, so he joined as well. "TOPS saved my life," said Andy, who has now lost 65 pounds.
Both Lori and Andy may be honored again as regional or even state winners when they attend TOPS Southeast Pennsylvania Region ARD (Annual Recognition Days) in Reading on Friday and Saturday, May 17 and 18.
"TOPS promotes making heathy life style changes and choices in your eating and activities for a lifetime," Rita noted. "We don't promise quick fixes or promote unrealistic images. Instead, we focus on health." She added that the environment of the meetings is intended to provide encouragement to members throughout their TOPS experience. "We can offer support through each stage of the journey," she said, adding, "The meetings are part educational and cheerleading for making better choices. As our group slogan says, 'We are each a masterpiece.'" Readers who would like to know more about TOPS may visit http://www.TOPS.org.
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