This is very long but I don’t care.
I’ve known my sister, Hannah, her entire life. I met her the day she was born. I was there when everyone first saw the purple and blue veins on her left cheek. But, I don’t remember seeing them for the first time. I don’t remember giving them much thought. For the past fifteen years, I can recall a handful of days I or anyone in my family have spared a thought to those veins on her cheek. I have spent much more time being jealous of her natural beauty.
But, today is one of those other days, one of that small handful. Today my sister shares a story and it’s not the first of its kind. She sits on the kitchen counter, eats an apple and says that it was photo day for her soccer team. She describes posing for a profile shot with her left cheek facing the camera.
“Don’t you want to face the other way?” The camerawoman asks as politely as possible.
“No, I’m fine.” She says and holds her ground.
And then, having given up her crusade, “That’s some bruise! Did you get that in a soccer game?”
“No,” and I know she must have shared an awkward smile and laugh, “It’s a birthmark.”
And I’m sure the woman was not expecting that and I am in no way attempting to ridicule her for her words. What I am trying to do, is revel in the bravery and self-confidence of my fifteen-year-old sister. My sister, who has stood in front of countless people, both children and adults, and dared to be proud of her appearance.
“Is that a tattoo?” “No, it’s just a birthmark.”
“What happened to your face?” “It’s a birthmark.”
“Did someone hit you?” “No.”
“You know, when you get older, you could get plastic surgery. It would be like it was never there.”
I have only spared a handful of days like this, contemplating my sister’s appearance and strength of character. I do not take notice of the purple and blue on her face. But, I know she thinks about it every day. I know she sees it. I hope she continues to embrace it.
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