Mommy…. I have a birthmark…right here…

It’s that time again.  Time for another laser treatment for Cade.

Laser treatment Number 9 will happen on Friday.  It will be his second with anesthesia. 

I just wrote our monthly payment to the hospital for his laser treatments. And I have so many thoughts floating through my mind.

Thoughts of wonderful doctors and nurses who provide such great care for Cade and his port wine stain.  Thoughts of a wonderful hospital that has allowed us an outstanding payment plan.  A wonderful insurance company that has not given us any problems with any of his treatments and appointments.  Thoughts of how thankful I am that his port wine stain does not cause any other issues!!!  Thoughts of how far we have come in 8 treatments.

But what really sticks out in my mind today is a simple little phrase Cade said on the way home from an outing this weekend.

“I have a birthmark. Right here”  and he pointed right to his cheek.

This is the first time he has ever openly acknowledged his birthmark. And I have to admit I had such mixed emotions when he said that. 

His birthmark is so much a part of who he is. 

His older brother, Kory, always makes sure to draw Cade’s birthmark into any pictures he draws of his brother. 

When Keith or I pray with Cade at night, we will often stroke his cheek and ask God to continue to make Cade strong and to increase the progress of lightening his birthmark. 

We’ll have friends mention about his birthmark and how it is lightening. We LOVE to hear those comments!!!  It helps us and our doctors know that we are making progress!

Of course, we have the not-so-nice comments we get about his birthmark. Usually from strangers who have no clue. I have heard some crazy things. “I’d hate to see the other guy in the fight.”  “What happened to his face.”  “Did he get burned.”  And these not-so-nice comments have become less and less as his birthmark has lightened.

I’ve had complete strangers come up and talk about friends and family members with birthmarks years ago yet no treatment options.  I LOVE talking to these strangers because they are full of compassion, understanding and encouragement. 

I’ve had children say the cutest things while their parents gasp in the corner.  I remember one little boy who gently said, “oh his face is kind of scary.”  It didn’t bother me. Instead I walked up to the boy, got to his level, and talked to him about Cade’s birthmark.  All while the mom tried to hush him.  I remember turning to her and saying, “it’s okay. I don’t mind.”  All I could think is maybe he’ll understand when he sees the next one. 

So… yes.. .mixed emotions as I recognize that my not-so-little 2 -1/2 year old is becoming more aware of who he is – birthmark and all!

You can read more about Cade’s birthmark journey on my former blog site:

The Wild Side of Cade! – Laser Treatment #8 (Nov. 16, 2010)

Cade’s Upcoming Laser Treatment (Oct. 21, 2010)