A 33-year-old mother named Tanis couldn't wait to finally go to the beach for the first time in 13 years. Stripping down to a bikini can be difficult for any woman, let alone a mother of five — but Tanis earned her place in the sun that day, and was ready to get tan! Sadly, what should have been a day of joy and triumph was completely ruined, and she went home crying that day. Tanis posted the following picture with the following message, and it's got everyone talking:
“This is an open letter to the 2 guys and 1 girl who decided to skip work today in Sherwood Park where they were building a house, but instead decided to come to Alberta Beach to relax in the sun, enjoy the water and some beers. I’m sorry if my first attempt at sun tanning in a bikini in public in 13 years ‘grossed you out’. I’m sorry that my stomach isn’t flat and tight. I’m sorry that my belly is covered in stretch marks. I’m NOT sorry that my body has housed, grown, protected, birthed and nurtured FIVE fabulous, healthy, intelligent and wonderful human beings. I’m sorry if my 33 year old, 125 lb body offended you so much that you felt that pointing, laughing, and pretending to kick me. But I’ll have you know that as I looked at your ‘perfect’ young bodies, I could only think to myself ‘what great and amazing feat has YOUR body done?. I’ll also have you know that I held my head high, unflinching as you mocked me, pretending that what you said and did had no effect on me; but I cried in the car on the drive home. Thanks for ruining my day. It’s people like you who make this world an ugly hateful place. I can’t help but feel sorry for the women who will one day bear your children and become “gross” in your eyes as their bodies change during the miraculous process of pregnancy. I can only hope that one day you’ll realize that my battle scars are something to be proud of, not ashamed of.”
In the video below, you’ll get to see an awesome awareness event put together by Tanis and fellow moms, who donned bikinis in public in a show of pride for their bodies and their decisions. Please SHARE this amazing mother’s story!
Tanis, a mother of 5, was ridiculed for wearing this bikini while at the beach. Her response went viral, and inspired mothers everywhere to feel better about themselves and their bodies.
