Two months, one surgery, and a few metal pins later, my son was able to take his first bath tonight sans-cast. He very gently lowered his bare arm into the water, testing; afraid his bones would break again in contact with something other than air. His face lit up at the warmth, and he grinned, then laughed. Then sighed: “… It feels so wonderful.”
He’s still got three weeks left in the splint, but this kid has been such a trooper– so gracious, so brave, and so appreciative of all these little victories. He’s taken every setback in stride, too; every sad bit of news, every new diagnosis, and every bruise on his body. He has never once complained. He has never once backed down from this challenge.
Most of the dead skin and surgery glue has come off. Underneath it, there’s a scar that runs about two inches along his forearm.
The first time I saw that scar, my heart sank. We were in the orthopedist’s office, and all I could think was how sad it was. His perfect, beautiful, seven-year-old arm: ruined. That smooth skin marred. My baby. My sweet little baby.
But tonight, it moved me. I cleaned off the healing wound, and I began to think– really, what an amazing thing to signify. He surmounted his worst fear, and he did it with poise, and with courage. I first thought of that scar as an unfortunate means to an end, but now I think of it as a badge of honor. He will carry it all his life, and to me, now, it won’t simply mark the moment he was no longer my baby, but the moment he showed the kind of man he will become.
I love you, Elias. And I’m so very proud of you.
So touching, as ever, Becca. I can’t wait to learn and know more about Eli as he grows up, he will certainly be a Boy Worth Knowing.
Poor, brave Schmoopey… And I agree with Lisa – in a few years, I’ll bet the scar will have faded to something small and silvery… 🙂
He showed so much bravery and maturity by choosing surgery. Also, that scar is already looking good. I bet in 2 years it will be barely noticeable. And if it is noticeable…chicks dig scars.
Oh I know all too well about beautiful, perfect skin being ruined and scarred. It’s heartbreaking. It happened when my baby was a little baby – 4mos.
But before you know it – you won’t see it. It will become a part of him and only when people ask about it will you remember it’s there.
What a brave little boy you’ve got!