Hi Valerie - I sent an e-mail to you on Oprah.com after you appeared on the show, but I didn't receive a response. I know you must receive a ton of mail, but I thought this would be of interest to you. I wanted you to know that I was in Fair Oaks hospital in New Jersey with Mackensie Phillips and her father, John. I was in there because I had Bulemia. I was 18 yrs. old. In a conversation with Mackensie, she mentioned that because she had put on weight after stopping drugs, that she wished she could throw up like me. My response was, "I wish I could stop throwing up!" Yes, our addictions were different, but they had the same common denominator --- PAIN. Also, like you Valerie, my best friend growing up was extremely skinny. I was not overweight at all, but felt fat next to her. I always felt big, even though I was far from it. I am 47 years old and a mother of three. I try to eat healty, and always enjoyed working out. Some days a voice tells me to be thinner than my 5'6", 125lb. weight. But most of the time I choose not to listen. I'm not sure if you'll get this message because it's posted on the "message board" and I didn't see a link to send an e-mail. Well, if you do, I just wanted you to know that I understand how life can be a struggle, but pressing on is the most important thing. It takes work, but it's worth it. Especially when our loved ones are concerned! Thank you for sharing your wonderful self with us. Take care and God Bless. Coleen Brown