Thursday, November 5, 2009

Individual Interview . . . and a little reminder

OK, ladies, we are going to have a little contest in the H.O.P.E. Program with a prize and everything!  It is that time of year  when I must decide what our H.O.P.E. T-shirts will say and what color they will be.  Last year's shirts said "Find H.O.P.E. at the Harris YMCA" and they are green with white writing.  The contest will consist of this:

1.  Create a clever saying for the back of the T-shirt that uses the word H.O.P.E.
2.  Give me the shirt color and the writing color

That simple!  Whoever submits the winning t-shirt for the spring will win a prize!  Also, everyone who submits an entry will get a consolation prize.  Please submit all entries to julie.hall@ymcacharlotte.org  with the word "Contest" in the subject line.  Last day to receive entries will be November 23rd, 2009. Good luck and let's come up with an awesome T-shirt for the spring!

I have a treat for everyone this week.  The interview is on a beloved group member, who has been with us from the start.  Most of us have missed her greatly over the past several months while she has been away.  She's back. . . . . . . by interview anyway!  It's Gayle Hall, also known as Mom or the Hankie lady. This can serve as a little tease to hold us until she joins us in group again.  Gayle is an example of what can be accomplished through perseverence and determination.  She has overcome an incredible challenge with her health and it reminds me that it's much the same with this journey we are all on.  It takes determination, which IS a choice, and perseverence, which IS a choice.  So as you read this interview, let it be a reminder to us all to be determined in what we are doing and to persevere when the road gets hard.  Have a great week ladies!

H.O.P.E. Individual Interview

What is your name?
Gayle Hall

Who is your family and additional support system outside of H.O.P.E.?
Husband John of 53, almost 54 years on January 1st.
Daughters Julie and Laurie and her husband Barry, and my grandchild, Cyrus who is 8 years old. I also have a wonderful Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church and a dear friend I have known for 60 years.

How long have you been a H.O.P.E Participant?
Since the very first class that was held. I have been beside Julie’s side long before this program, and will be forever!

What is the most useful tool you have received in H.O.P.E. and why?
At my age, I discovered that I can have boundaries and have a voice. These two have been the best tools and they work well for me.

What has been your greatest accomplishment through the H.O.P.E. program?
Being able to come to all of the classes on Tuesday and share and get support from others.

What has been your greatest challenge on your journey of lifestyle change?
Falling. . .ha ha . . .or not!

What does the H.O.P.E. program mean to you personally?
Watching my daughter in action and seeing how she gives such support and love to the girls in group really warms my heart and makes me very, very proud as a mom. Nothing gives me a greater thrill.

Can you share some words of wisdom with others who are just beginning their journey of lifestyle change?
The journey begins on the inside, changing how and what you think. It’s not about the food. Baby steps toward change are really important.

1 comment:

kindra said...

Aawww---I may have to go find my hankie! Welcome back Ms. Gayle! We have so missed you and thank God you are doing so well and are at home. Thank you for saying you've learned to use your voice and have boundaries. Thank you for being there for all of us and for modeling to us what love should look like--the kind of love that eradicates shame! I, of course am especially grateful you birthed Ms. Julie and gave us such a "super star" of a human being. You are so loved by me, Ms. Gayle!!!