Recognizing scars

At the coffee shop today I stood in line behind a woman who had very short hair. The way it was presented I assume she had gone through chemotherapy for cancer. Having had someone I care about go through it, I can instantly spot the characteristics of hair growing back from being lost. My heart went out to her and I looked at her as a brave survivor. As she turned to leave there was a scar on the exposed area of her chest from where it appeared a port was placed to deliver the chemo drugs. It was slightly bruised and looked as if it were healing.

We notice scars that others may be oblivious to. Trauma, and pain leave scars. Only those who have suffered similarly recognize those scars. My heart went out to this brave woman who I know has faced some sobering and terrifying times.

So many traumas and scars, each with a different story. If I haven't suffered in similar ways then I remain ignorant, and must be dependent on others who have suffered to tell me what their experience is like.

Others in the coffee house might have seen the bruising and wondered its origin. I recognized it immediately. I watched while someone I care about was injured in much the same way.