Part 2/9:

At the forefront of this reflective journey is a picture of the narrator as a child in rural Utah, surrounded by family and a deeply religious community. This backdrop shaped him, imprinting a singular view of reality where deviating from the norm was a challenging endeavor. This dichotomy set the stage for the transformative experiences that would follow.

Early Struggles with Identity and Weight

The narrator recounts a pivotal moment at the age of twelve when an innocent summer of indulgent eating transformed his physique dramatically. This rapid change triggered teasing from classmates and fostered insecurity regarding body image. A kind reassurance from his mother, who called him "husky," provided some comfort in a confusing time fraught with adolescent self-doubt.