Thursday, February 11, 2010

The Scar

I have never broken a bone, knock on wood. I have never even had to get stitches from an injury. I remember being almost envious at times of people that had cool scars to show with great injury stories. Kind of ironic, since I have a scar running down my entire chest.

As some of you may know, I was born with some heart problems, 4 different problems to be exact, if you want a medical/technical lesson, you can look up Shone's Syndrome--that is my official diagnosis. At birth I seemed mostly fine; I was having some trouble breathing and had to be in an incubator for a while at night, even after I made it home. But then when I was at the age when babies usually double their birth weight and had only gained 3 lbs. something was obviously wrong. I was 9 lbs 1 oz when I was born and an additional 3 lbs. is definitely not doubling my weight.

I ended up having two heart surgeries, one before I was one-year-old and then the surgery the made the scar at 5-years-old. I remember after my surgery having to bath in the sink for a while to not get my scar wet. This scar runs from a little over a inch under my throat to a few inches above my belly button. Also from this surgery I also have a nice scar across my right wrist, 4 crosses were the IV was, though now only one is still visible. My mom says I used to be proud of my scar and would tell all of my teachers and friends about it. That was until I turned 11. I remember not wanting to wear any shirt or dress that would show off the top of my scar, pretty hard to do when it went so high. And the one one my wrist, would people think I had tried to kill myself??? I mean, hello I was 11 and this was something that made me different!! Gasp!
The top of my scar
That bump to the side is because I did not want them to remove a stitch post surgery as I thought it would hurt.

But then I got past the junior-high years and it then became something unique and different in a good way; though I honestly forgot about it most of the time. The funny thing is, as I grew up and matured and was watching my body change, I discovered I had another scar that runs along my bra-line on my side around to my front. This was a much thinner scar, just a small line that I seriously had no idea I had for so many years.

So yeah, no scars from injuries, but I have a few scars. And now I have two more scars and one more soon to come in July thanks to my kids. And speaking of my kids and my scar, the part of my heart surgery scar that runs onto my belly.. when I am pregnant it gets really fat as my belly expands, almost 1/2" thick at the end. Gotta love it.

But I am proud of my scars, as they mean I am alive and healthy and here to write this today.

Inspired from Mama's Kat's Writing Workshop
Mama's Losin' It

24 comments:

  1. What a great attitude : ). It means you are healthy and alive. Living and loving. Good luck with the birth this summer...

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  2. That is a scar to be proud of for sure! You overcame and conquered!

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  3. That really is a scar to be proud of!! It brings glory to God!!

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  4. Wow. That's quite a story. Scars like that are miraculous! Great post!

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  5. That scar also represents a blessing to all of us who know and love you.

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  6. What a wonderful attitude and great way to look at your scars. Everything that happens to us makes us who we are.

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  7. I'm glad you're here to write this today too. It's a beautiful reminder to be grateful for all of our blessings, even the ones that leave scars. Sometimes they're the best ones.

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  8. Did you see Project Runway last week? The designers had to design a dress for a woman who has heart disease- or who has had surgery - for a Red Dress AHA event... anyway, your post reminded me a lot of that episode because there were a few women who, like you, are proud to show off their scar.

    You're very strong... with a beautiful heart!

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  9. Did you see Project Runway last week? The designers had to design a dress for a woman who has heart disease- or who has had surgery - for a Red Dress AHA event... anyway, your post reminded me a lot of that episode because there were a few women who, like you, are proud to show off their scar.

    You're very strong... with a beautiful heart!

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  10. It is really kind of sad how the things that make us unique can be something we try to hide. I am glad you finally got over that. I think scars are amazing (and have far too many to count from my rough and tumble childhood) how the skin can just heal itself. Good luck with your upcoming one!

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  11. As I was reading that, I was thinking to myself what you ended up putting in there at the end. That scar symbolizes your life and in as much, it's absolutely beautiful!

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  12. I love this post! It shows that we should all love ourselves - scars and all.

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  13. Indeed your attitude is a positive one! And we are glad and blessed to have you with us.

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  14. Your story teaches me that illnesses can make us strong. My illness leaves no scars, but it is still one that I can learn from. Thank you.

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  15. Absolutely! Be proud of our scars. THat's the motto for today!

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  16. It is funny how it came full cycle ... proud of your scar, ashamed of your scar and proud again. Good for you!

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  17. I have a scar under my belly button that I got from a surgery when I was five.

    I can relate to the scar-growing phenomenon when pregnant. I feel like it was twice as big when I was pregnant with my son. And I'm not sure that it went back completely!

    It's wonderful to be thankful for what our scars symbolize: surviving.

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  18. Wow, you have a wonderful attitude! BTW, you have a beautiful blog! I'm a new follower, nice to meet you!

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  19. Wow, I had no idea! I am sure glad you ARE around today...so I could have the chance to get to know you!

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  20. Thanks so much for sharing and way to be proud of your scar! It shows your courage and makes you who you are :) I am honored to now know the full story of your generous heart.

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  21. So I am the curious type and immediately googled Shone's Syndrome. Wow, you really have been blessed to have made it through this disease so well and have a beautiful scar to show for it.
    I've got a few myself that I am rather proud of, but I am not the type to wear a bikini so other than that one blog post they shall remain hidden. :)
    Erica

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  22. I can TOTALLY relate to you! I was also born with congenital heart defects, except I was able to hold off on surgery until the summer before my 6th grade year. I was 11, and did NOT want to explain to my classmates what I did over summer vacation. Anyway, I have had 2 or 3 surgeries now, and have an almost identical scar. Not the same ailment, but you can read about mine (if you want) on my blog entitled "That's not what I'd call it" I'm gonna follow you just because I feel a real kinship with you now! Yeah for a zipper buddy!!!

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  23. Emmy, this is my first time reading this post! Wow - I'm glad you wrote this, it's proof of the type of woman you are and the type of mother you will are to a little girl!

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