From Pompoms to Prison

Have you thought about sending Slim4Life a link to your website/fb page and seeing if they'd like you for a spokesperson? Seems like you've got a lot of experience speaking now and certainly you've mentioned them in your book with positive results. Just one more place to get exposure so it wouldn't hurt to try.

I am really proud of you. I know how difficult this must have been. While you may feel shame and embarrassment for having gained so much weight, I see it as another huge obstacle you had to overcome, and a symptom of the sadness you felt and kept inside for so long. You said yourself, you were unable to exercise, you kept so much bottled up inside, and you used food as comfort. There's a poster on pinterest that I love that says "don't treat yourself with food; you're not a dog". First time I read it I thought "wow, how true is that?" But our society is taught (through commercials/advertising) that we deserve that treat - EVERY DAY! You had so little guidance growing up and were so active in high school you could get away with eating junk food, but it eventually caught up with you and you had to learn how to treat yourself right. Once you were healthy inside, it was easier to get and stay healthy outside. It's all part of your story and sooo encouraging to so many others. You should be proud (in a good way).

Thanks for sharing this. and the pics too! I would have never imaged you over 200lbs. I know you told me but it was hard to believe it. Just another reason why your such an awesome, beauitful soul. Bless you Susan and everything you do.

Susan, I am so in awe of your courage, strength and willingness to share your story! You are amazing!!!

Hi Susan...I am so disappointed that I wasn't able to meet you on Sunday @ Above & Beyond. Susan Owens invited me but I was recouperating from surgery. We actually have alot in common. I am an addict in recovery w/5 yrs. clean. My addiction started @ a very young age and I was lost in the darkness of it for 40+ yrs. I am an Angel House Alumni. I am going to college now to earn my degree in Substance Abuse counseling. I will be working with kids & teen addicts. I have been to prison 5 times for a total of nearly 20 years. I truly believe that we can make a difference. I will continue to follow you as you are in inspiration to me. GodSpeed.

Your story has been a gift to my life. I have no doubt you will touch many lives that are lost, and God will use you to gently guide them back. I am thankful for the blessing of your acquaintance. You are an AMAZING women!

"So dark a night never comes to us but that the eye of God pierces through its gloom, in order to guide our footsteps in the way of truth." ~ C. W. Naylor

What a story she has. I cannot believe what she has been through and now changing her life the way she has. I have read over and over on this story and have so much respect for her. I have talked to her the last couple of days and I must say how proud I am of her. I am the President of Skyline High School Alumni Association. She has to get her story out to everyone, so people will listen to what she has been through and she might save several lives by people reading her story. I wish her all the luck in the world and how proud we are of her. God Bless her in her journey.

Wow, what an amazing story about a girl growing up so alone and at the same time being surrounded by so many people, and about a family lost in search of hope in times of trouble. What an amazing story of redemption and grace also, thank you Susan for having the courage to tell it so well.

I enjoyed the way you expressed your pain. I felt your pain while reading your story. You are very strong to have survived this. I know Jesus helps you to survive. Praise Him, for he is the only one who could have helped you. I pray that more of us can find the courage to call on HIM.

Susan I read your story in the Dallas Morning News. I saw the Jackie Caldwell blog. We did have fun didn't we? Remember our Scout song "make new friends, but keep the old" ? I think of you and your mother often. She would be so proud of your life now (and I am too). with much love your old friend and Scout Leader Bettye Davis

Susan DeFace Washington is an inspiration. She did not just survive a childhood filled with sadness, dysfunction and tragedy, she has thrived. The years in between are almost impossible to comprehend. Few addicts come out on the other side of that dark tunnel alive, much less devoting her life to encouraging others. Susan has a busy, full life filled with faith, work, family, ministry - and although I hadn't seen Susan in person since 1980, she took the time to reach out to a complete stranger, the sister of a friend of mine, who is struggling with seemingly hopeless addiction simply because I asked. Susan has shown up in person, by phone, by text and e-mail offering support and even sitting by this stranger's side as the woman began detoxing. It is this willingness to be of service that sets Susan apart. She survived, she thrives and she is giving back to the God who sustained her and keeps her clean and sober. Susan Washington makes me smile. Susan Washington makes me want to become a better me.