A Word About Lima Losers

Just in case anyone bristles at our team name, let me take a moment to explain. Obviously, the moniker refers to our team losing weight. Simple, straightforward, not even very original. Unfortunately, the not very original part is the problem.

About a year and a half ago, there was a buzzing rumor - "Did you hear they are making a TV show about Lima Senior?" Now, given the size, diversity, and yes, the sometimes tough nature of LSHS, there were a lot of possibilities. What would it be about? Is it a reality show? Will they be filming here?

My mind raced. I'll bet they're going to film on location! I could picture throngs of LA types descending on us, blocking Spartan Way with trailers and boom dollies and megaphones snapping "QUIET ON THE SET!" Could this bring the renaissance that Lima has needed? The excitement was too much to bear.

The result of the rumor was the show "Glee". If you haven't seen it, it is wonderful - witty and fun with great music and a little melodrama. However, while it IS set in Lima, there is very little about Bean Town in the show.

Except the term "Lima Loser". Great. Just what we need to bolster our collective low self-esteem. The term has become well known. I posted a link to this blog on my Facebook page and immediately got comments about Lima Losers and how people love the show Glee - from people who live far, far away. The know us as duds.

As a lifelong resident of Findlay, when I came to work in Lima people were dumbfounded. They immediately thought I would be capped in a driveby or have my ankles slashed by a gang member hiding under my car at the Lima Mall (no joke!) When I moved here in 2008, the jaws dropped even further.

But I'll let you in on a dirty little secret: I love Lima.

I love Lima because of the people I have met and have the privilege of working with as colleagues. I love Lima because I have made wonderful friends here who are the real thing. And I love Lima because people roll up their sleeves and aren't afraid to get dirty to help people. There's not a lot of room for theory here - the needs are too pressing.

Now, love is not blind. There are lots of challenges here. But there is also a fundamental honesty that makes my job - and the jobs of my colleagues on the Family and Children First Council - a little easier. There is no veneer of denial. We know that there are problems, but we also quietly know that we've got the right stuff to fix them.

So like many oppressed peoples, we reclaim terms for us that were meant to be pejorative. We ARE the Lima Losers, but not because we are down-and-out. We are Lima Losers because we intend to lose the most weight, raise the most money, and plow that cash right back where it is needed for our kids.

Rock on, Lima Losers!