Scars

I have many scars. Some are small, like the ones on my arms from PICC lines, or the ones on my stomach from getting my gallbladder removed. My biggest and most noticeable scar, however, is from my craniotomy and decompression. I didn't know it at the time, but I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (for more info on EDS and my craniotomy, see Origins - Parts 3, 3.5, and 4). And EDS can cause scars to heal poorly and/or cause scars to become thick and ropey when they do heal.  I was lucky that my scar healed well, but it did become thick and ropey. Since I wear my hair short (I have a ton of hair and wearing it long just isn't an option), the bottom of the scar is visible.

At first, I hated my scar. It was ugly, and a reminder of a painful time in my life. I tried leaving the hair on the back of my head longer, to try and cover it, because I was scared someone would see it and say something. I hated getting my hair cut, because then I would have to explain the scar to a stranger.  Eventually, my mom sat me down I and told me that my scar is nothing to be ashamed of. I did something scary and I survived it. That's something to be proud of.  

A few days later, I came across this picture/quote:

And I realized, my mom was right. I earned this scar and I should wear it with pride. I started getting my hair cut the way I like again, which left the bottom of the scar visible. And, surprise surprise, NO ONE NOTICED. All along I was ashamed of my scar and it turns out, no one was paying any attention to it.

So, to all of you out there who may have a scar that bothers them, please remember - you earned that scar. Wear it like a badge of honor!