Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Picture Post


My mom sent me this picture today. It's a photo of me at three years old. My first thought when I saw this was "Oh goody! It's time for another post about how much Abigael looks like her mommy." My second thought was "Wow. I sure had a big head." Finally, I took a longer look and noticed the scar above the right side of my mouth. The part of me that changed when I became a mother felt a sharp jab in the heart. My thoughts flew to the image I see in the mirror today and I couldn't believe the difference. This scar is hardly noticeable to me now. But on the little girl in this picture, it looks huge.
It was an accident. The story goes that I was running through the house, tripped and fell into one of the living room coffee tables. I have a memory of sitting on the center armrest in the front seat of my dad's car, holding a towel to my face. I'm pretty sure he ran the red light right in front of the hospital. I could be wrong, but I'm also fairly confident that I remember being strapped down to a board in the emergency room so the doctors could stitch me up. This isn't a particularly traumatic memory for me and the scar on my face has just always been a part of who I am (Actually, I don't even notice it.) However, it does make me wonder about the persistence of memories. Abigael is two and a half. Will she have memories of being this age too? Will those memories be good or triggered by some traumatic event?
On a more selfish note, I'm so thankful that Brandon and I haven't had to face anything like this yet. My heart breaks a little when I look at the little girl in the picture above with an objective point of view. All I can think is "How brave my parents were." Just a year after this photo, they were challenged again with another life changing event. I had to have open heart surgery for a small defect which was causing a heart murmur. Everything went fine and I've gone on to live a full, active life. But what was it like for my parents? I think about my darling daughter and my eyes tear up at the thought of something like that happening to her. The Lord willing, we will never have to face a similar challenge. But with the example of my parents to follow, I'm sure I would be able to rise to the occasion.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I didn't know Mom sent you that picture. Yes, it reopens some very stressful thoughts of your "many" trips to the ER. Now reach up and touch the angel sitting on your shoulder that has been watching over you so many times. Abigael has one also. Brandon has one but I don't think his likes riding bikes :)
Love to all, Dad

Anonymous said...

But come to think of it maybe that's what saved his life that day. Food for thought son. Can angels get hurt in accidents protecting their charge? More food for thought. You know I love you son.
Dad

Anonymous said...

Gosh, I'm going to cry. Things look different from the parents point of view. You just do what you gotta do and try to be brave for them. You and Brandon are doing a awesome job with our baby girl. You'll rise to any ocassion that comes up. And we'll all be there with you.
I love you too!
Mom P

Anonymous said...

I am so glad that and thankful that your angel and Brandon's too have been with you both, because I know that is the reason that you and he are alive and well and together. Praise the Lord! We love you. My goodness Abigael is a reincarnation of you Christie!
Love, Mom