I love this, Lesley. I only have my breast surgery scars, and they absolutely don't bother me. What I struggle with is a scar on my daughter's forehead because it makes me feel so guilty. The funny thing is, she loves it so far. Says it makes her special, and her favorite teacher at school had the same. I hope she remains so positive about it!
P.S. I was born via c-section because I was breech, and I'm so grateful for a procedure that might have saved my and my mom's lives! I remember women saying a C-section was their biggest fear before labor—honestly, my biggest fear was anything bad happening to me or my babies.
Another great piece (for your book??). Just so relatable and down to earth good writing.
Which brings me to my story about scars....I was teaching a brief unit on health and accidents in LA and suddenly thought wouldn't scars make a good theme for kids to write and/or talk about? Presto....everyone had a scar story to tell! My favorite: I have a tic-tac-toe scar on my stomach a boy blurted out. No way, I said. Sure enough, he lifted his shirt and there it was. He'd fallen on a heater grate at home (many houses had them in the 70's). He giggled when I asked if he ever played the game on his belly.
I have a small scar under my lip from falling out of my crib as a baby. But the best one is at the top of my leg, looks like a caterpillar, and the result of a melanoma removal in the 90's. The doc saved my life and I've kept out of the sun at the peak burning hours ever since.
Thank you, Dianne!! (BTW, my middle name is Dianne and you’re the only other one I’ve ever met that also spells it with two n’s.) Love the tic tac toe story. And the car scars are a non issue, except I kinda cringe every time I’m reminded of the garage incident.
I’m so enjoying your pieces. Love this one.
Well thanks so much. I appreciate you reading! Truly, it means a lot.
Fantastic read! Thank you! 🙏
Thank you for reading and responding!
So good, making that comparison! Brilliant!
Thank you so much! For reading and reacting!
I love this, Lesley. I only have my breast surgery scars, and they absolutely don't bother me. What I struggle with is a scar on my daughter's forehead because it makes me feel so guilty. The funny thing is, she loves it so far. Says it makes her special, and her favorite teacher at school had the same. I hope she remains so positive about it!
P.S. I was born via c-section because I was breech, and I'm so grateful for a procedure that might have saved my and my mom's lives! I remember women saying a C-section was their biggest fear before labor—honestly, my biggest fear was anything bad happening to me or my babies.
Yes! Some scars actually mean salvation.
Another great piece (for your book??). Just so relatable and down to earth good writing.
Which brings me to my story about scars....I was teaching a brief unit on health and accidents in LA and suddenly thought wouldn't scars make a good theme for kids to write and/or talk about? Presto....everyone had a scar story to tell! My favorite: I have a tic-tac-toe scar on my stomach a boy blurted out. No way, I said. Sure enough, he lifted his shirt and there it was. He'd fallen on a heater grate at home (many houses had them in the 70's). He giggled when I asked if he ever played the game on his belly.
I have a small scar under my lip from falling out of my crib as a baby. But the best one is at the top of my leg, looks like a caterpillar, and the result of a melanoma removal in the 90's. The doc saved my life and I've kept out of the sun at the peak burning hours ever since.
BTW: who cares about scars on cars??
Thank you, Dianne!! (BTW, my middle name is Dianne and you’re the only other one I’ve ever met that also spells it with two n’s.) Love the tic tac toe story. And the car scars are a non issue, except I kinda cringe every time I’m reminded of the garage incident.
Actually Dianne is my middle name, too. My mother named me Sheryl...a name never used which has caused me legal hassles my whole life. (Damn her).
Of course everyone spells Dianne wrong even people I've known forever which really bugs me.
I liked the comparison you made to cars, so I was being a bit facetious...
I got that. And I’ve never really understood naming a child one thing and calling them something else but many do it.
horrible....nothing but problems and having to explain to teachers every year.
What a beautiful and vulnerable piece, Leslie. Made me want to take an inventory of my own lasting marks...
Thank you so much, Alyson! Inspiration is the best form of flattery!
Thank YOU! 😊