Keri has a new pet....Peeve, that is.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

I have noticed a common occurrence lately, and I have to discuss it, because it is driving me nuts! So, be prepared, because I am going to vent.

People react to new stimuli in very intriguing ways. For instance, people cringe in horror (or pity) after seeing the scars from my surgery. I can deal with this.

There are also the blunt reactions of people who tell me that these scars are not very attractive. I know this already. Then there are those people who have said that they look like some “idiot's botched suicide attempt.” This makes me feel all warm and toasty. I suppose I should be comforted in the fact that the scars are on the "wrong" side of my wrist or else people would REALLY get the wrong idea. (*Side note: Honestly, if suicide really was the cause of my scars, would it be the business of the people who are pointing this fact out?)

Why is it that people feel as though they must point out certain things? The last time I checked, I was there when I got the scars! I may not have been conscious, but I sure realized that something was different in the aftermath of my body being sliced into. And, let me see if I remember right...yep, that's right...the dang scars are attached to me! They will be on ME forever, so these people really don't have to worry about what my scars look like. Believe it or not, but they are actually healing and fading. Everyday, they are looking less and less like those of Frankenstein's Monster. Everyday, it looks less and less like my hand was cut off and sewn back on.

But the main point of my tirade is this: Most people have quirks, idiosyncrasies, and distinctive traits that make them, them. Whether by birth or otherwise, everyone has something unique about them. We can not plan on all the things that life hands us.

Disabilities, injuries, illnesses, and other devastating events do happen and can rip someone’s heart out if they let them. There are even trials that are so unspeakably tragic, that I would never wish them on anyone. In this respect, I believe I lucked out with the little scars that I have. As long as we are able to pick ourselves up from the things that seem to suffocate us, and as long as we don’t allow circumstances and events to engulf our spirit and drag us down into the deep chasm of despair and discouragement, then we can make it through anything.

My stitches are gone, the surgery is over, and I am now trying to accept the permanent outward blemishes that prove that I am different. So, if you have a valid question or statement about my scars, by all means, feel free. But I just wanted to thank all of the “Captains of the Obvious” for reminding me that I am not perfect. But I hope you also know that I can live with these scars…because they are mine.