Scars: The Stories They Tell

Yes, there are physical and emotional scars. I am topically writing about physical scars. I know that even some physical scars carry the burden of emotinal scarring, but I am not trying to touch upon those either. If looking at or thinking about your scars do bring up heavy emotional feelings, or trama...You have my deepest sympathy, and most sincere apologies from me touching upon this sensitive, deeply personal issue.

Scars are moments in time. Captured reminders; stories that whether we hide them, cover them up, or wear them like badges of honor...All scars tell a story. Many people of my generation, I've noticed, have a scar under their chins from playground incidents. My scar on my chin was from a car accident where I hit the windshield (seat belts were optional back then.) I recieved six stitches inside and outside just below my lower lip.

To date I have over 54 scars on my body, and each time I look at any one of them I remember where, and how I acquired them. Many are old and faded and barely noticeable to most folks, but I see them. I know where they are. They all show much more obvious if I am outside a lot, they don't tan. So they become more accentuated. No matter...my scars are mine, and they tell a story about me. Of who I was, and who I am today...They are reminders of experiences that have molded me, shaped and created.

I know which one is my first scar. I remember which one was the first time I got stitches. I remember the feeling of having stitches removed. I know which ones I tried to hide from my parents, because I was being an "adventurous" child, or just trying to do something on a dare.

My scars are proof that I have endured, and survived. They are lessons learned by trial and error. Some are my diploma "from the school of hard knocks." There are even a few of them that bring back a memory or two that still make me smile when I think back into that time. I wouldn't trade any of them or the memories that come along with my scars.