Albeit to varying degrees, everyone values their face and appearance – I was shocked to tears in April 2016 when I saw myself for the first time post Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). In the months following I avoided pictures like a plague; my eyes were gray and lifeless, the paralysis and weight loss made my face sag and my inability to smile all made me extremely self-conscious. When I finally found the courage to share an image of myself someone asked why my face was so “sour”, needless to say I was totally deflated!
It was not until I started the blog – 12 months after my diagnosis – that I allowed myself to move pass that particular set of insecurities and anxiety.
Now, 23 months later when a friend of my daughter was concerned about a facial injury that will leave scaring my response was instant…I do not attempt to cover my scars or hide my flaws because each one – both external and internal – is a vital part of me and my journey. Love your scars and let them help you tell your story of survival, there can be no greater reflection of beauty!
– the tracheostomy scar shows where a breathing tube connected my lungs to a machine that kept me alive until I could breathe for myself…
– these keloids & scars let me know that central line tubes where able to supply medicine to my body that started my healing…
– the thoracostomy scar tells how a chest tube made it possible to drain fluid and air to repair my collapsed lung…
– the gastrostomy scar is a reminder that a feeding tube nourished my body until I was able to feed myself, chew and swallow…
Alessia Cara’s Scars To Your Beautiful from the studio album Know It All, is a another reminder that I am stronger than the things that try to hurt me.
