The last couple of weeks have probably been the severest test of my new lifestyle, and I think I made it through OK.

On Aug. 28, I found out that my estranged father was near death. We hadn't spoken in about 5 years (the last thing he said to me was, "Lose this f'in phone number because I'm going to lose yours"). I called him on the 29th, and I'm glad I did--he sounded happy to hear from me. Some complicated emotions were stirred up, though.

Meanwhile, I took a fun trip for Labor Day weekend. When I travel, I usually expect to go somewhat over on calories and "pay it back" over the next few days. This time, though, I went further over than usual (largely because of eating high-carb foods that weren't very filling while I was traveling).

On Friday 9/10, I heard that my father was in a coma, and he died on Sunday. While I grieved for the more meaningful aspects of our relationship years ago, it's still sad and final. I ate too much over the weekend--wouldn't say I binged, exactly, but counting the last two weekends I'm about 4000 calories more than what I should have been.

I did something I've been too stubborn to do since I started my diet in January 2009--I "wrote off" the calories without paying them back and decided to start fresh. I'm back on plan now and weigh the same as I did on August 30, so I think I'll be OK from here.

Thanks for reading/listening.

Oboegal-I am very sorry to hear about your Father. I too was estranged from my Dad for many years. I only recently had a reunion with him. Things will never be as I would like them to be, but I do feel better knowing that we've come to a form of peace.

First, I'm so sorry you have had to go through all of that, it could not have been easy.

Second, congratulations for handling yourself so kindly and not letting it derail you! I am constantly on the lookout for these kinds of 'tests', because really, weight loss isn't all that hard when everything is peachy keen! It's when something like this happens that you are really put to the test. And you passed, with flying colors!

You are a fine wine my fellow fighter! You have struggled. The most complex, sweetest, most delicious wines come from vines that have struggled. They fight every single day for water, sunlight, and their place in the vineyard. They grow sideways on a hill and inbetween rocks. Because of this struggle they produce the most amazing grapes far better than those who have it made and everything handed to them. Many of us have struggled. It is because of these struggles that we are who we have become. The finest, sweetest, most complex people in the world. When you feel weak and your struggle feels really heavy. Remind yourself that you are a very fine wine! A survivor. The top 10% of the bunch. This struggle will make you even better. SAY IT LOUD & PROUD! I'm a FINE WINE!

Thank you (plural) for your kind words of support.