JACQUI

I will say up front that I don't watch reality TV shows   When I watch TV, I  just want a pleasant escape from reality and to be entertained with a laugh or a good tale. I realize I am  in the minority here for these shows are indeed very popular so it would follow that the majority of people do like them.


That said, I am going to talk about a particular reality show, the Extreme Make Over, Weight Loss Edition. Besides the reality format, perhaps I avoided this show due to my own failings.

Never in my earlier life would I have dreamed I could be 25 pounds over weight. I have wrestled with  the same rotten 25 pounds for about as many years. Lately, I seem to lose 10 pounds, then gain back 8 with an annual net loss of 2 pounds. Whoopee. At that rate and should I make it to 85, I ought to be at my goal weight. Good thing I am the patient sort.


From what I hear on this particular show, twenty or so pounds is to be sneezed at. They must lose at least ten times that amount to qualify. I find that mind boggling. What dedication, courage, pain and sacrifice they must endure to accomplish that. Yes, I do admire the stew out of these brave souls, just have never wanted to watch.  Though I have avoided the show in the past, I won't this Sunday.


My sister Jan's good friend will have a family member on the show. Her friend's 30 year old daughter-in-law Jacqui is featured. My sister has followed this event and is so proud of Jacqui. She says the transformation has been astounding.

 This is a before picture of Jacqui that will be seen on the show. You can easily see that under those 355 pounds is a very pretty girl. How many times do we use the phrase with overweight women in particular,"she has such a pretty face."  What she looks like now, I won't know till the show airs this Sunday on ABC at 9:00 PM Eastern time.



The following are excerpts from the show bio of Jacqui.


Participant Bio


“At 14 years old, Jacqui was a bright and talented teenager with a future full of promise. But one night at a party a boy attacked her, and that event changed her life. She kept the incident a secret and, not knowing how to deal with the pain and stress, turned to food to help her cope. By the time she was a high school senior, she was 100 lbs. overweight and continued to gain.


Although her husband, Shawn, loves and strongly supports her, Jacqui's traumatic past continues to haunt and affect her everyday life. She has many dreams for her future – to graduate from college, pursue her music and have children -- but lacks the confidence to fulfill them. At 30 years of age, she realizes she doesn't want this unhealthy life anymore. Jacqui is ready to start healing and living the healthy, vibrant life she deserves and desperately wants.”

I know she was successful or she would not be on the show. Were this not someone my sister knows, I wouldn't even know to watch. Thanks Jan.


Also, what peaked  my personal interest is that in one scene, sister  Jan says she might be seen directly behind Jacqui's husband and is wearing red. Glad you wore some bright clothing Sis. I'll be looking for you.

A big time congratulations goes out to you Jacqui. Go forward and reach all your dreams. You have earned them and have proven that there are no limits now. Be so very proud, confident and conquer.

Perhaps I will begin to look at reality shows a little differently after this. Shows that can change people's lives for the better, have to be a good thing. We'll see if I am reformed.  Of course my possible change of viewing habits  will have to wait till the end of baseball season.



Do you watch reality shows?? If you do and particularly this one, you now have an "inside" as to the participant.