This One’s for Bonnie

My mom’s name was Bonnie Cope. August 11 was her birthday.

She played competitive softball. She volunteered at a local AIDS camp for kids. She fished, she camped, she showed up — for her community, for strangers, for causes bigger than herself. She was one of the earliest and loudest champions of LGBTQ rights in her circle. Bonnie poured into everyone.

Then she fell. Injured her shoulder. And slowly — the way it always happens slowly — she stopped moving. The diet slipped. The activity disappeared. Depression followed. A woman who once ran bases and fought for others spent her final years diminished by diabetes and a quality of life she deserved so much better than.

Small decisions. Enormous cost.

I became a nutrition and habit coach because of her. Because I watched what happens when a caregiver — a champion for everyone else — has nobody saying your turn, Bonnie.

This column is that corner for you.

If you’re sliding — even slightly — start with two things this month. Find one movement you enjoy and do it twice this week. And eat one real meal a day built around protein and vegetables. Not perfect. Just consistent.

Bonnie deserved someone in her corner. So do you.

In loving memory of Bonnie Cope. 

Next Month: Getting outside and moving — no gym required.