"I like your scar"

One of the souvenirs I have from cancer is scars. I have six scars that are related to my cancer surgeries and treatment. Five on my abdomen and one on my chest. When my surgeon first discussed my treatment with me, he was concerned about how I would feel about having scars. Honestly, at that point, scars were the least of my worries! I hadn't worn a bikini since I was in college and all I wanted was to be healthy, no matter what it took to get there. As I walked through cancer treatment, I found that I really liked my scars. Like I've said here before, they are signs of life for me. My scars remind me of where I've been and what I learned, and they say to the world that I am a survivor. They are very personal to me and I am proud to have them. 


Recently, I was even more proud to wear them!  When I was shopping for a dress for Sarah's wedding, I was looking for something that would cover the scar on my chest. It just seemed like the right thing to do. And I was  looking for something to cover my upper arms, which also seemed like the right thing to do! No one wants to see jiggly mother arms at a wedding!  However, if you've seen the pictures of the wedding, you know that is not the kind of dress I ended up buying.  Sarah and I found a beautiful caribbean blue strapless gown that we both agreed was the perfect dress.  Several days before Sarah's wedding I tried on my "Mother-of-the-Bride" dress after having it altered, and Sarah said to me, 'I like your scar, mom."  For her, it signified that her mom fought hard to be here with her. My scars became even more special to me after seeing them through her eyes.


The day of Sarah's wedding, Sarah, the bridesmaids, Tyler's mother, Julie, and I were all together getting ready for the big event. Our sweet friend, Patricia, was on hand to expertly fix everyone's hair. Lily, a professional make-up artist, was also in the room, making sure every girl's beauty was perfectly on display. When it came my turn, I hopped up in the make-up chair and Lily worked her magic. She then asked if I would like make-up on my chest.  I knew immediately, that her real question was, "Do you want me to cover your scar?"  I proudly let her know that the scar was an important part of who I am and did not need to be covered.  


As the sun set, and the music began to fill the chapel, I happily walked down the aisle on the arm of my son, David, and watched my sweet daughter marry the man of her dreams. The scars were there, representing God's goodness and faithfulness toward me and Sarah.


Thank you, Sarah, for seeing the beauty in scars!