When I was 15, I had surgery on my left wrist, via the top of my hand. For whatever reason, I was always very self-conscious of this s-shaped, two inch scar. I remember worrying (years before I was ever even engaged, mind you), what my wedding pictures would look like with this scar on the hand that would one day carry my wedding ring. I look back now and realize what a waste of time and energy it was to worry about such a trivial thing! I must admit, I was made to feel even sillier, as I tried to take a picture to display here, and couldn’t even get a shot that showed this thing that bothered me for so many years.
I thought about my scar today, when I watched the video of Brooke Burke-Charvet on her ModernMom blog, as she relayed that she has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and described where her scar would be. I’ve always admired her as a mother and a businesswoman, and think she is doing a tremendous job meeting this challenge head on. In my opinion, no matter what scar she is left with, she will still be just as beautiful as she is today!
I thought about the ‘vanity of a scar’ and when my ideals changed. Yes, vanity; you should celebrate your scars! There is a story behind every single one.
van-i-ty Noun: Excessive pride in or admiration of one’s own appearance or achievements.
I honestly have to say, my view changed when I became a mother. Don’t get me wrong, I can still be vain from time to time, but being a mom has literally caused me to lay my own life on the line. Just prior to being 23 weeks pregnant with my first baby, my sweet boy, I flew to Boston for him to have fetal surgery on his tiny heart. After the surgery I was left with three small scars, but had given the doctors permission to make a large incision, similar to a cesarean section, if they could not adequately access him during the procedure. I could write an entire book with just that time in my life, but that is not the reason for my post; this post is about scars. I have since learned to embrace and even celebrate scars.
My sweet boy has had 16 surgeries so far; seven of those surgeries have cut into his tiny chest. These scars have always been a reminder of what he’s been through and proof of how truly strong he is! He laughs when I tell him he is stronger than I will ever be. His reply, with his big smile, is always “you’re joking me!” One day he will understand! In the meantime, we remind him that his scar is cool and “chicks dig scars” and that we are so proud to watch him with each new day and every new experience.
When I told him that there was a lady that I heard about who was going to have surgery and was a little worried about the scar she would be left with, he jumped right at the chance to share his scar and to show, yet again, that scars are cool! I don’t know Brooke, and she may never see this, but if it helps even one person – then what we are doing does make a difference!
My Happy Little Heart-Hero!
Our Life With Kids 