Paula, I am proud of you — your courage makes you beautiful. I was also raised by a mother who had a lot of shame. She taught me that my body was just something to be covered up and protected from the “disgusting” things men would do to it if they could. Not only was my body something to fear, but any feelings I had of pleasure in it were equally dangerous. I still carry some of that to this day, even through a 13-year marriage to a man who thinks I am beautiful no matter what, and has infinite patience. I try not to let my two boys see the side of me that still carries that shame…and I hope they feel proud of their bodies, and of the women in their life, no matter what their shape or size. BLESS YOU.