Beauty through strength

7 mos ago

     When I was in the hospital I dreaded what my stomach would look like after all was said and done. I had 40+ staples inserted and removed 3 times. I had random marks all over from the total body edema due to 22 blood product transfusions. 
     But, 8 mos later, I couldn't be more proud of the scar on my belly and my face. I'm still sore and swollen, so I'm not quite out of the woods yet. But, I have never been more proud of a part of my body. 

     So many nurses would jokingly and sympathetically  lamented the loss of my ability to wear a bikini next summer. To them I now say, "au contraire, mon ami!" I have never been more excited to show off what I have been through. I appreciate their empathy and compassion, but I wish they would have encouraged me to embrace and rock my battle wounds so that I did not have to struggle with my appearance when I was well enough to look in a mirror.
     I no longer think that beauty lies in perfection, but in strength and resiliency. It takes a lot of grit to make it through extreme trials, just as it is taking strength to get my body back. Having a perfect unmarred tum is wonderful, don't get me wrong, but having a scar gives an awesome badge of courage that reminds me to feel proud for beating the odds. My scar is a testament to my family's amazing and miraculous story. 
     Thank you everyone who prayed for us and held our hands through this process. We truly have been lifted spiritually and emotionally by our family and friends. Here's to hoping for a continued recovery for my us! We're still working hard on it... :) ​

Below is my abdominal scar, not pictured is my fun c-section scar as well :)