I taught at an international primary school here for 6 years before I gave up my Year 2 class to become a full-time mummy. I have gone back once or twice to see my kids and so that they can see Vinay. They were quite obsessed with him when he was still inside and always asked all sorts of questions. One child asked me every day (for 7 months) if he was still in my tummy. Two weeks ago the school had their Summer Fiesta and I decided to take V for a little while in the morning. I thought it would be a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues, children and parents. I saw a boy that I used to teach when he was in year 1. He’s in year 6 now. He is also autistic (but very high functioning). I stopped him and said hello and asked him if he remembered me. He did. I looked him and said, ‘My goodness K, I can’t believe how much you have grown! You’re taller than me!’ He made eye contact (for the first time during that meeting) for a split second and replied, ‘And I can’t believe how much weight you’ve put on!’ I showed him Vinay and tried to explain – but he had lost interest and started making his way towards a games stall. It was funny. I laughed. But his brutal honesty also hurt. Obviously not his fault. He wasn’t to know that I had started exercising regularly. Or that I was only drinking Coke once (ok twice) at the weekends. And that I was generally feeling pretty good about myself. I had fit into size 14 shorts for the first time. And they weren’t tight (but now I have a feeling that BHS clothes are a bit bigger. Anyone?)!

It was disheartening. But it’s made me more determined. My will power is non-existent – but I’ll just stay positive and keep at it. 🙂