3rd Place Winner
Ladybug Category

Jimella D.

These past two months have been some of the most emotional/stressful months of my life. Two days prior to the contest began my Dad suffered a heart attack and was scheduled for triple by-pass surgery. I was in shock and thought seriously about not doing the contest because I didn't know what the outcome of his surgery would be. My twin sister (Michelle D.) and I decided we needed to do the contest. My plans for how I would do the contest changed drastically when my Dad suffered another heart attack the night before his surgery. He ended up being in ICU for 12 days and was on a vent tube for 10 of those days. We didn't know if he was going to make it or not. Thankfully he did and he is at home recovering very well now. I went up north (MN) two different times the first month of the contest.

I'm so thankful for PBS and HD because that's what I did mostly during the time I was in MN. That helped my stress level tremendously and gave me the extra energy that I needed to get through that time. My Dad told me while I was there that I needed to get in better shape because I didn't want too go through what he went through. And the thing is Teresa, my dad was in really good shape. Granted he had high blood pressure but he ate healthy most of the time and exercised. After he said that I decided I would dedicate my second month of the contest to him. When I didn't feel like working out I thought of my Dad and how he persevered in his physical therapy. I was right there with him when he walked up and down the stairs for the first time after being in ICU for so long. It was true grit and determination that helped him through it. I don't think I will ever forget it. When we got back to his room his head hung in exhaustion and he had tears streaming down his face. I cried right along with him and told him how proud I was of him, and how much he inspires me.

When I got back home I remembered my promise to my dad and too myself. I really wanted to do a 14 day BC but found that my body wouldn't let me do it. I did 7 days of LB standing and that felt good. The rest of the month I did LB Basic Plus and SITTM about five times.

I look at my pictures and I'm amazed once again by the power of T-Tapp and being consistent. I would like to win the contest and then call my Dad and tell him how he inspired me to give it my all. Then I would look forward to meeting you and other tappers in person and sharing my story and hearing their's as well.

Thank you Teresa for all that you do for us. And thank you to Kitty as well for all your hard work.