WHAT I THINK ABOUT THE STUPID STUFF GOING ON IN THE WORLD
I just watched something for the first time that absolutely shocked me. I was channel surfing and I came across a show - Too Fat For 15. The show chronicles the lives of teens trying to lose weight. One participant on the show, Tanisha Mitchell, really pulled at my heart strings. She was morbidly obese at 500+ pounds, however, her spirit was so incredible. She made me feel for her. I sat transfixed by her effort, her charm and her quest to lose weight. During this episode, the kids had a weigh-in after a break they had. The other kids gained 4+ pounds over the break and they blamed different things. Tanisha lost 11 pounds! I cried. For what, I’m not sure, but I sure did cry. I really wanted this girl to succeed because her attitude was so good, so humble and so about her goal of losing weight. Then I went online to find out more about her. I watched a clip of Tanisha Mitchell and her mom on the Today Show. That really upset me.
Matt asked her mom how she could let her daughter get so big. Her mother stated that it was due to the fact that Tanisha was immobile because of a leg disorder. Bull! At that age, even if I believe she was immobile, the parents are responsible for bringing her meals. What was she feeding Tanisha? The mom is overweight too, but she seemed to be in denial about HER role in her daughter’s obesity. There was another mother on the show and she acknowledged that her son was fat because of what she was feeding him. I would have liked to see Tanisha’s mom do the same. You don’t get to be 500+ pounds without someone noticing. To not get your kids the help they need BEFORE it gets that bad is really abusive. I love Tanisha and her spirit. I want her to do well in the program and well in life, but parents need to stand up and be accountable for their actions when it comes to feeding their kids. You can’t stuff anything into their mouths and think that it will all be OK. If you see a problem, don’t stick your head in the sand until the problem balloons out of control. Get that kid the help they need BEFORE they end up dead. Not doing so is very, very stupid.
I want Tanisha to do it. I’m rooting for her and I’m in her corner. I just hope that her MOM gets the help she needs to make a change for her daughter’s sake AND for her own since she clearly needs to lose some weight to. It isn’t about being skinny. It is about being healthy. Too many people diminish their quality of life by not doing the best they can do for themselves. Thankfully, Tanisha is getting the help she needs. I just hope her mom is a catalyst for change and not a detriment.
Apples
March 3rd, 2011 at 12:25 pm
I am replying to this late because I just saw a repeat of this show on Style for the 1st time. I was absolutely disgusted at Tanisha’s mother and her crazy attitude about her kids’ (and her own) health. Since the show is from last year, I seriously hope Tanisha’s mother has had time to open her eyes and realize her very big role in Tanisha’s suffering by being such a lousy example and creating obstacles for this girl rather than any type of support network. I’ve read other articles online documenting Tanisha’s weightloss success and I am so proud of her determination and strength - I just wish more attention was drawn to her mother’s stupid attitude; I believe that was the biggest cause of Tanisha’s obesity and it desperately needs to be addressed. I’m sure she’s not the only deadbeat parent out there leading by TERRIBLE example and ultimately causing her own child’s suffering. PARENTS LIKE THESE NEED TO BE CHECKED, BEFORE they put their kids into this position!!!
Ms. Very Stupid
March 6th, 2011 at 12:39 am
@Apples I would love to find out how Tanisha is doing now. She has such a great personality! Her mother, however, is really outrageous! Watching that show made me CRINGE!!! How does a mother live in denial like that? I hope that Tanisha can make it through! You are correct, parents like this provide a terrible example for their children.
Betty Wiley
March 28th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
Tanisha is wonderful. I’m sure many people are inspired by her example. Today I saw the show where she lost 200 pounds. She screamed with joy. She goes home and makes healthy meals and her mother scoffs. Keep going, Tanisha! You are going to be more beautiful as time goes by, as you become healthy at an ideal weight. Stay strong! You have the potential to be a leader, a shaker and mover!
Ms. Very Stupid
March 28th, 2011 at 11:58 pm
I love her! I think she is fantastic! I hope she goes far in life. I, for one, wish her the absolute best!
Joanne T.
March 29th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
I’m rooting for Tanisha also. She should be very proud of herself, especially when not having a mom to support her. It bothers me that she’s not on board when it comes to her daughter’s health. I hope the best for Tanisha, to keep on going until she feels fit. I would love to see her eventually become a part of the Wellsprings staff, after all, she’s been there and done that! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK TANISHA! We are all behind you 100%!!!!!