I submitted a story a few years ago and actually won the Success Story category. So many things have changed since that time I feel compelled to make another submission. My first story was about my journey with Cathe through a very troubled marriage, an eating disorder, and an addiction to pain pills. As I stated the first time around, there was a period in my life when Cathe was literally my only connection to the outside world. Her dvd’s were such a source of comfort during a time when my life seemed very dark. Well, since that time, I have started on a new journey, complete with my Cathe arsenal. I remarried a wonderful man who started working out to Cathe with me and prided himself on being a “Cathlete.” He was 68 years old and had survived a triple bypass. He worked out with me consistently and we thoroughly enjoyed our “fitness” connection. Sadly, on August 26th, my husband decided to take his own life. Shocked and heartbroken, I moved in with my oldest son. Shortly after settling in, he gently chided to me to continue on with my workouts. I made myself do at least an hour of Cathe everyday. Not only that, my son started doing Cathe’s STS program, and during a very difficult time, we really had some lighthearted moments joking about how “mean” Cathe is. I had also sent my daughter Tabatacise so we all had a few laughs when discussing our fitness journey.
To sum it up, Cathe has been in my life since 1999, through good times and bad times. She is a staple in my everyday life and the joy of having her as such cannot be described in words. I am forever grateful to this wonderful woman who has been such an integral part of my life and fitness journey. I am thoroughly enjoying the new workouts….as a new chapter of my life opens, Cathe is once again a very important part of that.
The outside world and all its troubles DO seem to melt away when spending time with Cathe! Good for you for having an outlet that is healthy, wise and enduring. Kudos as well for sharing it with your children. I hope you find peace and happiness, as you certainly deserve it. I believe Cathe has said “Stand tall…chest proud”, and one of my favorites (to let you know you are not alone) “Are you with me…..I’m with you!”. Prayers and praise for you! Peg
Congratulations Sherry for making it through a life filled with so many troubles. I agree that Cathe is a wonderful addition to anyone’s life. She can truly carry us through our darkest hours! Hugs to you!
My heart goes out to you. All you have been through is just awful, but to keep working out with all your pain is such an incredible feat. Bless you and your family who are also supporting you with their being cathletes too. I am sure the workouts have given you the strength to cope. So, please keep it up! “Jump higher!”
Sherry, such heartfelt emotions for you! So proud of you for being such an amazing Cathlete; pushing though and allowing Cathe’s strength to transpire into you. So glad you shared your story – you are amazing!
What an inspiration you are! Blessings to you and your family!
Oh wow. Sherry, thank you for your story. I am currently going through a huge battle with depression (extremely lost emotionally, needing to lose about 15-20lbs, really struggling financially, without a partner, without motivation, tired of hearing everyone saying things are going to get better for me while the clock keeps on ticking and nothing changes, etc), but while I was putting my workout clothes and getting ready for week 2 of Xtrain’s 90 day undulating rotation, I checked my email and read your story. I was trying to find excuses that it is a holiday and I should be in bed with the lights turned off watching sad movies. You have no idea how much I needed to read a motivational story with the way things are going lately.
Sometimes we have no choice but to accept the decisions of our loved ones, in the end love is unconditional whether we agree with their decisions or not, and whether they are with us or not. I lost two friends too soon and I used to get mad because they were so smart and talented, but I had to accept they made a bad decision and there’s nothing I could’ve done, I hope they could finally find peace. For the ones that are left in this world suffering we only have two choices: accept and stay stuck, or accept, find the light at the end of the tunnel, and inspire others. Thank you Sherry for inspiring me. I will breathe deeply, dry my tears, and do my workout. I wish you continued success with your life and many blessings to you and your family.
Hi Sherry, I would love to read your first success story you won the contest with. How can I find it? You are awesome!!!
Thank you all for you kind responses. Hilda, I am so happy my story touched your heart and helped you in some way. There is a reason for everything and if helping one person came of this writing, then that is the purpose. You are in my heart and prayers. Chana, my last story was chosen on Aug. 9, 2010. I just scrolled through success stories and found it. Happy day to you all!
(((((((Hugs to you Sherry))))) I just finished reading your success story and I had so many emotions swirl through me as I read it. First, before I say anything else, I want you to know how deeply sorry I am for the loss of your husband. I’m sure you are still emotionally distraught over losing him. I pray that your heart begins to heal with time, acceptance and the fondest memories of him.
Sherry, you are amazing! As I read through your story I kept thinking “wow, this woman is a true inspiration”. With everything that you have been through, cried through, and toughed out, you never threw in the towel. It would have been so easy and understandable for you to do that but you never gave up on yourself and instead reached out to those who love you the most when you felt you needed an extra shoulder to lean on. Once strong again you got back on your feet, got moving and even brought them along with you on your journey to a healthier mind and body. You are not a quitter and I SO admire that. I am so proud of you!!!
(((((And more hugs Sherry)))) Thank you for sharing with me that I’ve been a strong ray of support and light to you through the darkest (and even brightest) of times. I’m deeply touched by this. I always say “we’re in this together” and I look forward to continuing our journey together.
Warm blessings to you Sherry and “I’ll see you next workout”!!!
Dear Sherry, I have never blogged 3 different responses to 3 different women in one NIGHT!!!! First of all, I can hardly express the words of comfort I hope you will have over your loss. After my horrid divorce, God put a beautiful man in my life. He is 67, now, and has COPD. I can not even fathom losing him. Your story has me in an upheaval of emotions. I, too, am struggling to get off pain pills and quit smoking. I had been working out with Cathe since 1989!!! I continued on through 2 C-sections, nursing school, and long hard hours of working as an RN. I just got back from CA from AZ, where I live, to see my daughter graduate from High School. My mother was, as usual, critical in everything she said and my daughter didn’t seem to want anything to do with me. But, Sherry, I had an Epiphany: It’s not about me, it’s about them!!! I’ve never been treated so badly!!! My friends in AZ love me, they have even adopted me. I have an adopted niece, who, after she has my god-baby girl, I want to start her on some easy (AH!!!) Cathe DVDs. You are so blessed to have your son!!! My son is 20 and going through severe drug problems, but he adores me. My father told me that he never stops talking about how much he loves his mother. I left him a message before I left, abruptly to get back to my REAL family in AZ: Son, do not take drugs to ease your pain. Not ONE of these people over here (CA) care if you live or die!!! You must love yourself and heal your body and mind. You see, Sherry, when my son was little, he used to work out with me, to CATHE!!!! He loved Cathe!!! He was only 4 and 5 years old when he started working out with me with my Cathe videos. I bought him his first little 1lb and 2lb weights. I am so sorry for you loss, but I wish and pray that my son comes home to me again, like your son. I can not believe how many stories tell my story. God Bless you, Sherry for telling your story, so that I would be here, tonight, hurting, and be blessed by reading your story. Between you and Lynnie, you women have blessed me and sent shockwaves of miracles through me!!! I feel like I can go on, now. God Bless, Glori