My friend, Kym

I met Kym a few years ago through a writing group I had joined. She had just moved here from Texas. The first time we met, we had lunch at Burger King. Later, we were reintroduced through a job I had taken with the Montgomery Advertiser. Since then, we've become pretty close.

Whether she knows it or not, Kym is a huge inspiration and role model. She has become one of my closest friends and also my biggest encourager; next to my husband, of course. Her strength and encouragement has made me strive to be a better, healthier woman.

I gained a lot of weight in my previous marriage and I've always had some excuse or another why I didn't need to lose it. I've watch Kym over the last few years and I've seen the obstacles she's overcome. She has made tremendous strides in her life and I look to that for my own strength at times. Seeing her push past everything that has tried to stand in her way only encourages me to push myself harder and harder to become the woman I want to be for myself, for my husband but most importantly, my kids. I want and need to set a better example for them. Healthy living is important for everyone but when I look at my daughter and see how overweight she is, it really hurts my heart and I feel I only have one person to blame for that. Me. I allowed that to happen. And I did not set a good example for her either.

I've talked with Kym on several occasions about how her daily routine and meal planning goes with her daughter, J. I must say, I was very impressed and only wanted that same thing for my daughter. It's been difficult at times but each day, we try something new and go forward. I'm working on getting her more active and bringing healthier foods into our home. I'm hoping that in time, this will become a lifestyle for our entire family.

Kym is also a writer and a phenomenal one at that. I've followed her work since she's moved here and a few times, I've been the subject of her work. It's always an honor and privilege when she asks me for help. She's proofed some of my own work for school papers and an article written for my wedding. More often than not, some of her work has moved me to tears. She has a way with her words and her outreach within our community is uplifting. She really has a passion for what she does.

Through her writing career and her day to day fitness journeys, I can only strive to be half the woman and mother she is but she's been a big part of why I've been on my own fitness journey. Her encouragement and advice will get me right where I need to be.

Beyond her career and lifestyle, she's been an incredible friend. She's helped me through my divorce, my remarriage and my husband's deployment. Her texts and emails always bring joy to my heart. Our occasional lunches are always filled with our day to day stories of our lives. What I enjoy most are her stories of J. That is a fantastic child. She will become an extraordinary woman one day-just like her mother.

Kym-from the bottom of my heart, thank you. For being my friend, for being someone I can look up to and confide in. I couldn't be more blessed to have someone like you in my life. I love you. :)