Of Yearning and Mercy, Part III

November 10. Day 6, Mercedes Dealership, Lubbock Texas. In the tow truck last night, M asked if I work with people who struggle with their weight. His tone shifted. This question was about him.

Before he had a family, M had lost a third of his body weight. Most of it returned. “Too busy to keep up,” he said. Gastric bypass surgery a while back didn’t help much. While he may eat less in one sitting, he’s still hungry – maybe hungrier – all day.

I sensed an inner pleading from M to get his weight under control. He felt disgust toward his body, he told me. The word came up several times, disgust. And each time, it caught me, like a catch in my throat, and I hurt with him.

I asked what keeps him from the health he wishes for. Habit, he said, addiction to sugary drinks when he needs a pick-me-up. I asked if he is scared about his health. Without hesitation, he blurted, “Yes. I’ve got to get my weight under control before it’s too late.” A sense of running out of time traveled across his eve…