We met in the Fall of 1994, freshman year at Butler
University. She didn’t come to orientation because of Mono. So, of course, she
was labeled the diseased girl. Within two weeks, I was labeled the bitch thanks
to my roommate (truth be told, I probably was). I posted a note asking for
rides to Ball State, Trena Goble (Roudebush) responded, despite the bitch
rumors. We’ve been friends ever since.
Over the years I’ve seen her grow from a young lady
searching for her place in the world to a powerful woman that knocks down any
barrier she encounters. Trena defines unselfishness. She has donated her time,
sweat and tears to countless organizations. Active 20-30 Club, Coburn Place,
Girl Scouts, the list goes on and on. She has emotional, physical and mental
growth spurts on a quarterly basis.
But here’s the thing: it hasn’t been easy. No, she isn’t
carrying around a fat ass (IBTC *smirk*) but physical weight isn’t the only
thing that can hold you down. We are our own worst enemies. And when things get
hard, it is so easy to listen to that voice inside you and simply quit. Your
body feels better, but your mind and heart… not so much.
After several failed attempts at getting in shape and losing
weight, I decided I needed a makeover. Physically, mentally, emotionally and
spiritually. I started my journey in January and haven’t looked back. I went
from a 4 to an 8 on the happiness scale thanks to a kick ass therapist. I have
turned so much over to God and am just enjoying the ride. I was diagnosed with
PCOS, which has been the source of many problems for decades. I am 90% clean
eating and exercise at least four times a week. And I don’t weight myself
anymore.
Trena, I love you. You’re the sister God gave me later in life. Words cannot define how proud I am of you and all your accomplishments. I like being in your shadow with all of this, because it means I’m keeping up with you. See you at our finish lines!