B.M.O.C

"Through the dust and the smoke of this man-made hell
Walked a giant of a man that the miners knew well
Grabbed a saggin' timber, gave out with a groan
And like a giant oak tree he just stood there alone-Big John
(Big John, Big John) Big Bad John (Big John)."

We all know him, when we were growing up he was the big person; not always in height, sometimes it was weight---I know it well, I was the big guy and it was not based upon being tall.

Growing up as someone who was "different" is not easy. In today's world we strive to stand out, not be a wall flower, lead the pack. At least some of us do. But there are scars that are left behind and many remain until the day you "check out." As someone who was overweight, it still is something I deal with---and as I reach a new milestone in age (I was told by my wife today I am entering a new demographic tomorrow) I am sure it is something that will remain. 

I remember in school we would be weighed for some reason I still don't understand---in front of our class. I also remember it being a horrifying situation as there were countless times when I not only weighed more than my classmates, but more than the teachers, principal and probably the janitor. These are times that molded me as a person as I dealt with these issues; but I also knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel---one that was much brighter than I suspected it would be. Thankfully that is.

What I didn't realize back then was people change. Some change for the better, and some not as well as they thought they would---but they still change. Probably the best indication of change can be seen through social media; all you have to do is look on Facebook and you get a real understanding of what you remembered and how we all change. 

But as difficult as it might be to experience change---it is for the better. 

The other day I was looking online and saw before and after shots of people who had lost massive amounts of weight. Some as many as 300 or more pounds. What shocked me, and this is why they have this online, is how unrecognizable they were in the after shots. You of course are happy for them---or at least I am---but I also think about how traumatic it has been for them to deal with. 

Losing weight is one thing, but losing height is another; if you are tall, you will be known as the "tall guy." Short and it's the opposite. 

The photo above is a perfect example. This past weekend I went to Milwaukee to watch/photograph a game between the Bucks and the Oklahoma City Thunder. I could not help but notice one of the players on the Thunder---he is 7'3" and towers over all of his teammates. Watching him interact with them, I could not help but think, "I bet it was tough for him being the tall guy in class" and I bet they always asked "Do you play basketball?" He can now say, "I sure do."

Thanks for stopping by.