When I first read this, it reminded me of Michelle's recent post "A beautiful story for all the beautiful women" as this too makes references to "scars", so I wanted to share... I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.   [smiley=heart.gif] Shan
(Note: I want to respect those who share a faith other than a religious one and would like to forewarn you that this story does make reference to God/faith, etc.)


Scars of Life...

Some years ago on a hot summer day in south Florida a  little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.

His father, working in the yard, saw the two as they got  closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could. Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father. It was too late.  Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by  the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the  little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father's fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved.

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after his trauma, asked if he would show him the scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms; I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my dad wouldn't let go."

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. Not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But some wounds are because God has refused to let go.  In the midst of your struggle He's been there holding on to you. The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations not knowing what lies ahead. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril.  We forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins.  But if you have the scars of His love on your arms, HEAD, legs, etc...be very grateful.  He did not--and will not--ever let you go. [smiley=hug.gif]

That was beautiful.I'm in tears right now.Tears I guess of joy.The joy of being reminded that we're not all alone.
Mary and Kathleen

:D
    Beautiful!! Shan!  I loved it,  I believe it! and I needed it! ;)

God Bless You! All  Tom G. :-* :-*

Thanks I have printed this out and I'll read it when I get in my depressive slide and I hope it will pick me back up and out of that downward slope knowing I touch by Him and He does still care.
Becky

Mary and Kathleen, Tom and Becky..

So glad you enjoyed it.  I know the story wasn't exactly about scars from medical situations like ours, but nonethess, they are scars...and I wanted to share this  [smiley=heart.gif]warming story...Glad you liked it. ;;D

Enjoy,
Shan

Im in tears too. Thank you Shan for sharing. I love these kind of stories!!!

Christy

I loved that story too, Shan!  When I tell people about my surgery I tell them I have 2 badges of courage!  (Or battle scars??!!??!!)

Shan,
So Beautiful!!!!! I cried  and really enjoyed it. It came at the time I needed it.    Thank-You !!!!   MM friend Lena

Shan!

Thanks, that was tear provoking. I sent it to my husband who just had double pypass heart surgery... talk about a scar.. Actually, it isn't too bad, but I think he is self contious.

Thanks again!

SARA

Christy, Shari, Lena, Sara,

So glad you too enjoyed the "Scars for Life..."  When I first read it, it also touched my  [smiley=heart.gif] as I could relate to it.  I have a somewhat big scar from my surgery (you can see in the MM family album, page 4), so it's kinda hard to forget that I have it.

I tried wearing a wig to church once, but it made my head hurt even more.  As you know, wigs have to be tight around the edges, and I think I could've done more damage to my graft, so I stopped wearing it.  I also used to wear bandanas a lot.  (I think I've got one in every color now..) But since doing my interviews on the local 6 oclock news, I figure, if everyone didn't see me by now...then oh well!  My hair has grown back a little (a couple of inches), so I just look like I had a really bad hair cut. ;;D  hee hee.

Plus, I don't mind people asking me what happened, as I want to spread the word about moyamoya.  It was just hard for me to handle those that just starred at me, mumbled something to their friends and didn't say anything to me directly.  Oh well....so is life.  ;;D

Take care,
Shan