In the last few years I have really thought a lot about my relationships. I wondered how the world would view me after extensive facial surgery. Would people see the scars? What would they think? I was really bothered by how I looked until recently.
You see, when I walked in the door of my daughter’s home, two wonderful children came running toward me, with their arms outstretched calling my name, quite happily!
Oma!
It dawned on me then, that they do not see my scars. They see my heart. They only know me as I am today, and their unconditional love is such a gift.
I am my own worst critic. I get close to my mirror and I see every stitch mark, every scar, and for the longest time I felt like I was not myself at all. I did not feel pretty, I did not feel happy and I was so critical about myself.
Why do we do that? Why do we judge our book (face) by the lines, or scars, or imperfections that we see there? Does it make a difference as to what is in our hearts?
My grandmother told me once, when I was a young and somewhat conceited teen, that I may be beautiful now (age 15) but that as one grew older, and went through life, if you were not a good, kind, person in your heart, it would show on the outside. Goodness and kindness lie within.
So this face I have now, although not the one I had at the age of 15, is just fine. My daughter and grandchildren love me, and they know my kind heart and my great love for them.
As I have wandered through my life these last few years I have tried to concentrate on being the best me I can be. I have stopped staring in the mirror, and when I do my hair or make-up, I try to embrace the woman I find in the mirror. She has worked so hard to repair her soul after falling down, so many times.
Be kind, be loving, and stretch out your arms to those you love. In the end, life is so very good!