Meet the Garrison & Bird Family.
Starting the habit was hard work, but now it’s Fun!
Scott and Bitsy were on a slow downhill slide. Her family was very concerned about her health, she was tired all the time, not motivated, barely moving around their house, but most importantly she wasn’t interacting with family. They weren’t seeing her fun, bubbly, laughing personality they loved. Scott wasn’t far behind as both of them were losing mobility and their diabetes was not under control.
They decided to make a change by coming to the YMCA. Bitsy’s biggest fears were anxiety and being self conscious of what people at the Y were going to say. Bitsy shared quickly, within 2 weeks they felt a part of the Y. They felt like family, and everyone was so nice.
What helped the most is seeing that everyone is doing their own thing, no one is judging, questioning or concerned with what you are doing. Her advice to anyone is “JUST COME”.
They started coming to the pool for 1 hour per day, and over time this has increased to 2 hours per day, wishing they had time for more. It’s been a slow consistent journey. January and February Bitsy could barely walk across their house to use the bathroom, but persistently taking 1 day at a time, small steps at a time – they’ve increased their endurance. Getting to the Y, walking up the steps and getting into the pool without having to stop and take breaks. Along with walking 1/4 of a mile without needing a break.
Food Addiction vs Healthy Lifestyle
Bitsy and Scott are excited to come to the Y every day and look forward to it. They have replaced their addiction for food with healthier options in partnership with exercise. They light up when talking about their 1st time garden. Bitsy would pray and sing over the garden plants every morning, and they are slowly seeing the fruits of their labor. The confidence and pride they experience planting and growing the seeds, and now seeing the results is wonderful. They’re growing squash, cucumbers, peppers, cabbages, beets, and tomatoes.
Quality of Life is better than Quantity of Life
Scott gave more than a gift to his fiancé, he gave her the opportunity for hope and her life back. It’s also something they can do together with their whole family! Scott’s gift to Bitsy and the kids is now an expected gift – their YMCA membership. Scott shared “Come to the Y, healthy or unhealthy. The family here isn’t invasive, or in your face, they are all welcoming.”
Some long term goals Bitsy is working toward:
1. Ride the tricycle bike
2. Walk to the Menominee Lighthouse & back without stopping
3. Standing in line for a roller coaster + Going on a roller coaster
4. Jump into a pool – Bitsy accomplished this goal in June and shared it wasn’t all she expected, even stating she didn’t understand why she was so scared to do this, but glad she did it.
Bitsy and Scott continue to make small successes by being consistent and patient meeting their short term goals – continue walking more outside, taking out their pedal boat, go fishing from their pedal boat (which just recently happened), walking to their favorite fishing spots, instead of wishing they could go.
Talking with Bitsy and Scott reminded me to be thankful. Understanding how overwhelming it can be to accomplish basic daily needs when your health and wellness is not a priority. Walking, getting dressed without assistance and all the other fears we put on ourselves, can be paralyzing.
They shared the options that have worked for them to adapt their favorite recipes.
Some lasting statements that were powerful to me they shared were:
- What helped the most is seeing that everyone is doing their own thing, no one is judging, questioning or concerned with what you are doing. Their advice to anyone is “JUST COME”.
- Life is a marathon not a sprint.
- Their whole days if off if they don’t come to the Y
- Life changing for their family
- They are enjoying their better quality of life since coming to the Y
When you see Scott and Bitsy, make sure to congratulate them on their most recent amazing accomplishment – as of August 9th 2021 they have water walked 75 miles in the pool – WOW!!
