I’ve been overweight since childhood. Kids bullied me at school, I avoided group photos in college, and I couldn’t even imagine going to the beach.

body, and you’ll stop waiting until you lose weight to start living.”

“But what if I can’t?”

“Then we’ll try again. Nobody expects you to overcome years of fear in a single day.”

Slowly, I removed the towel.

Grandpa didn’t stare at my stomach or thighs.

He simply smiled.

“Go on, sweetheart. The water is waiting for you.”

I slowly stepped into the swimming pool.

At first, I felt terribly uncomfortable.

I kept thinking about how I looked, how big my stomach was, and whether my legs appeared too heavy.

But after a few minutes, I started swimming.

Then I splashed water toward Grandpa.

He burst out laughing.

And for the first time in years, I laughed without thinking about my appearance.

When I climbed out of the pool, Grandpa suggested we take a picture together.