* Scars

Scars hurt. They pull and itch. They’re constant reminders of precious trauma to our body. I’ve written about scar tissue before and all the issues associated with that problem both emotional and physical. As the years have progressed, I find myself with even more scars on my body and my heart that I have collected for various reasons. Most, but not all, are associated with my cancer diagnosis from 2009. 

A few years after cancer, I experienced problems with my eyes from all the steroids I received during chemo resulting in a retinal detachment and problems with my vision. Thanks to a brilliant retina specialist I can still see, but the scars remain. It’s a constant reminder of how very blessed I am for the gift of sight.

Then there are the scars from a difficult abominable surgery due to the after effects of radiation to my thoracic area. The pain was terrible for weeks but I now have a new appreciation for people who have chronic pain. I understand their despair, depression, and desire for just a few minutes without pain.     

I took a bad fall in the summer of 2023. Was it caused by the neuropathy I still experience from the after effects of chemo? I’m not sure but I did fall into the kitchen counter, shatter my shoulder, and had to have it totally replaced. There’s a scar down my left arm as a souvenir of that event!

Finally, the second big health event since cancer…my heart attack. I can’t see them but there are scars in my heart from that attack and the stent that was placed inside to fix the blockage. There’s another heart scar I carry but it’s still too painful to talk about. One day I will share; but not today.

Just to glance at me, you’d think I’m fine and perfectly healthy. But if you look deeper, the scars are there; both visible and invisible.  I guess what I’m trying to say is that sometimes you need to look a little deeper at the people in your life. Spend time with them and get to know their scars before you judge. They may even share some of the same scars you have gathered along your life journey. Then you can hurt and heal together.