Starfish

(This section summarizes Poem 123: “Fix-Her-Upper,” Poem 124: “A Big, Fat Surprise,” Poem 125: “Blade Against Blubber,” Poem 126: “DUI of Anger,” Poem 127: “Not My First Rodeo,” Poem 128: “Waves of Emotion,” and Poem 129: “Supposed To.”)

Mom takes Ellie to a bariatric surgeon behind Dad’s back. At the consultation, Ellie explodes, railing against the surgeon and Mom until they are forced to leave. Mom and Ellie argue; Ellie suggests that the problem isn’t her weight, but Mom’s treatment of her. Ellie processes the emotions from this experience with Dr. Wood: She confronts the anger, sadness, and hurt she feels for Mom, who does not love and support her as a mother should. Dr. Wood helps Ellie advocate for her right to choose her own doctor.

(This section summarizes Poem 130: “Strikes One, Two, Three,” Poem 131: “Forgiven,” Poem 132: “One Size Does Not Fit All,” Poem 133: “Speak Up, Buttercup,” and Poem 134: “A Nice Moment with Mom.”)

Ellie and Dad try out new doctors. If a doctor makes disparaging comments about Ellie’s weight, she walks out of the appointment. Ellie finally finds a doctor who treats her respectfully. Dad apologizes to Ellie for allowing Mom to treat her badly, but Ellie knows it’s not Dad who needs to ask for forgiveness.