Jacob proudly showed me his lunch which consisted of a sandwich, low-fat yogurt, some pine nuts and milk. It made me wonder how a sweet kid with such an awareness of what he was eating could still be struggling so much with weight issues. Jacob continues to gain weight despite teachers walking/jogging with him once a day during activity period and nutritionist providing interventional education for him. His parents suffer from weight related disease.
Going into the gym the P.E. coach proudly announces Jacob having completed five laps during the previous 20 minute activity period. This is a feat for a boy who hated the idea of running much less running a mile or more. Today Jacob is competitive and feeling good about his prospects. He asks me who the fastest mile runner is and I point out a small boy playing soccer. Jacob starts up his jog and begins a very rhythmic and controlled breathing pattern. "Jacob! Who taught you that?" "Mrs. Body." Awesome. Everyone in the school seems to be invested in Jacob's health. This is the best potential school situation for a kid struggling with such issues. As we run and near the end Jacob stretches out his hands and says he's reaching for the candy! Imaginary candy but a real motivation for Jacob to pull himself toward the end.
As much as Jacob has learned to monitor and motivate himself, he still struggles to be consistent in his choices. At how mom and dad don't come home until late after which Jacob has snacked all evening from hunger. Even at 10pm, Jacob will wake up at his mother's arrival and go to the kitchen to get some of her homemade food. His cousins and the people around him chose to be sedentary rather than be active outside even when Jacob suggests it. He has a long road to travel. Hopefully, he can use the memories and encouragement to continue to fuel his quest toward a healthier lifestyle.
