Pink Post! *Thanks to CSB for the great photo!
I have lots of scars on my body. I have scars from 2 c-sections, carpal tunnel surgery, torn meniscus (knee) surgery, one on my face from childhood, a scar from my port insertion (for chemotherapy), scars across the backs of my thighs where tissue was harvested to make my newest set of breasts and of course, there’s a plethora of criss-crossing RR track-like scars across my breasts and under my arms. The scars have never fully gone away in 10+ years. They are still noticeable and remind me daily of what I’ve endured. They are my scars of honor shall we say ~ they show the 14 surgeries I have endured in order to stand before you. (Actually sit before you, but you know what I mean!)
The scars that don’t show on my body are there as well ~ the ones that run deeper than the skin that holds my flesh together to my bones. Those are the ones that are harder to talk about ~ the ones that are hidden under scabs which have grown over the festering sadness which once accompanied my painful cancer journey. For the most part, I have picked away at the scabs, allowing a fresh look at life and the healing that goes along with talking about my journey through breast cancer that has made them much smaller for the most part ~ almost undetectable to others at this point in my life.
Because if you met me on the street, you wouldn’t know what I had endured in my life. You may meet me and think that I have a blessed life (which I most certainly do and for which I am eternally grateful), but you wouldn’t know of the suffering, the baldness, the buckets of tears which I have cried. You wouldn’t know of the pain, both physical and mental and emotional trauma which has plagued me for years. You would hopefully see a happy woman who seems carefree because that’s who I want to be.
I don’t hide my breast cancer past if I think I can help someone, but I don’t go around telling everyone about it either. It’s a part of me that I share when necessary, but there are plenty of people who know me who have no idea of what I’ve endured. They don’t know that behind my smile sometimes lurks a few tears.
So the next time you meet a stranger on the street or a casual friend, I want you remember that we all have hidden scars that can also be called experience. Your experiences shape your presence in this lifetime. Perhaps you weren’t able to control your experiences, but you can surely control your present moment, your present thought and your present attitude also known as your presence.
Greet the day with gratitude that you are here and present in this moment! Greet others with that same beautiful smile that shines warmth, love and enjoyment in living. Sometimes you may find that it’s just too difficult to be that way ~ and when that happens, remember you’ve got a friend in me. I”ll lend you my smile, I”ll hold your hand and I’ll sit with you for awhile, lending you my strength until you can take another baby step forward for yourself for together we can make it better.
Shine On!
xo
Love this…. I love my scars too. Gratitude everyday and every moment…. xo
That’s the way we survive, right? So happy you are here too! Hugs!
I love your spirit and your wisdom. Thank you!!
Thank you for your loving support! xo
Love this! I too have scars and each tells a story. They are my “tattoos”.
Absolutely ~ they are badges of honor where we have lived to tell our stories ~ and to help others! 🙂
Your Blog just seems tosaythe right thing when I need it to. Always a thought that allows me to ponder. thanks
Thank you for stopping by and for your sweet comment. I appreciate it and I’m glad it speaks to you. 🙂
You’re so right. We all have hidden scars from our experiences. Thank you for being so open about yours. No doubt, you’re an encouragement for others, showing them they’re not alone.
Thank you for connecting with me! I agree ~ we are not alone ~ we are all connected! xo
I can understand the scars both physical and emotional. You wear it well with honor and glad that we are connected also.
Thank you ~ I am so happy we’ve connected. This is what I love about blogging ~ we are such an amazing community! Big hugs
Hugs back to you and happy too that we connected. Forgot to mention earlier when we were looking to name our company several years ago the IB part of it stood for Infinity and Beyond. First thing I thought of when I saw the title of your post 🙂
How cool is that! I keep thinking of Buzz Lightyear whom my kids loved when they were little! 🙂
🙂
Well said, and true. Thank you.
Thank you Judy for reading and commenting! 🙂
This is such and important message and powerful post. xo
Thank you xo
This is a beautiful post and you are a beautiful woman. I can feel your warm smile and am grateful for your reminder that most people walk this earth with scars that we cannot see.
xo
Diana
Diana ~ what a lovely comment ~ you are so right! xo
Thank you for your scars and for your strength. We all need someone like you watching our backs. We all need to be reminded that in every person we walk by in a crowd, there is a story.
I couldn’t have said it better than you ~ thanks for understanding. I’ve always got your back! 🙂
Your strength always comes through!
As does yours! Your boys are a testament to your strength and love!
You are so right…loved this…
Thank you ~ I’m honored xo
You are such an encourager – thank you for touching our lives.
Oh Patty ~ thank you for encouraging me! xo