Torn Down and Remade

She gave me a book, asked me to read it.
I did, the collection of people's stories,
tales of finding new life in Overeaters Anonymous.
I decided to try it...but after the new year,
not to ruin Christmas and a European trip.
So much for my plans, though.
I was zapped December 17th,
knew I could not wait. I became committed,
eating sanely despite the plethora of food,
hurt myself badly yet declined treating pain with food.
The flight to London was miserable but safe.
Internet cafes were my friend as I reported
to a worldwide circle what I ate.
Flying home hurt less, and the reward
was a report by the scales I'd gained no weight.
in three weeks of holiday abundance.
A schedule rearranged and a snowy day
when I alone got to the OA meeting place,
then two days after I turned sixty
I passed up the offer of a newcomer's chip
but accepted one for thirty days of a brand new life.
Eleven years ago I chose Recovery
over comfort food, leaving behind the life I knew
for one a million times better.