The Pimple & The Band-aid

“Mum,” you asked me, “can I have a Band-aid for my nose?”
You had a pimple on your nose. It's the only pimple you ever get and it only rears its ugly head once a year—right around the time of school photos.
The Band-aid, you explained to me, was to cover the pimple so you wouldn’t look silly in your school photos.
I didn't understand your logic, but I didn't dare to ask any further questions. I knew that you had probably thought deeply about it and this was the conclusion you had come to.
I simply explained to you that the Band-aid would be a lot more obvious than your pimple.

As the morning progressed, I started my morning skincare routine. As I started to apply my makeup, I considered offering to apply concealer to you face to hide your pimple.
I thought about what this would mean; what message I would be conveying if I offered it to you. I wondered, what lesson would you take away from me offering to cover up an imperfection?

Would it tell you to hate or fear those parts of you that are flawed?
Would it teach you to be ashamed of the marks you carry on your body?
Would I be teaching you that only perfection is good enough?
Would I be telling you to hide the real you behind glamour and falseness?

So, I didn't offer you any makeup.

When I look at you, I don't see the pimple on your nose; I see the girl who wanted to have matching hair with her best friend on school photo day.
I notice your flaws and I acknowledge them, but they aren’t what I see. I see you, Alexis.
I see your beautiful nature, your loving heart, your confidence, and your loving spirit.

Throughout your life, you will gain many marks and blemishes. They might be pimples on your face, scars on your body, or cracks in your heart. Don't hide them. Don't be ashamed of them. Don't fear them. These flaws are what make us unique, beautiful and whole. They create character and develop our strength and perseverance. They are marks of who we are and they do not deserve to be hidden.

I can't wait to see your school photo. I can't wait to see your smile and your spirit shining through your eyes. I will see your pimple, but that pimple won’t be my focus. That flaw is just a part of the beautiful human you are.
In life, flaws are a given, so wear them with pride.

Loving you with everything I have, forever and always,

Mumma xx