by Susan » Sun Aug 19, 2001 6:57 am
Jack,
My now six month old son had his lip repaired in April, and will have his palate done soon. I felt some aprehension at first, but was amazed at the way people reacted to him. I have never heard a gasp, groan, or seen a flicker of dismay. Even strangers in a store focused on his chubby cheeks and bright eyes. Often I would say "He is a great eater, he has a special Pigeon bottle that helps with his cleft," or something to put them at ease, but didn't have to say anything much.
After his repair, we were so pleased with the results and wondered what others thought. We have run in to the same politeness. No one ever asks about his scar, or sees any difference in his nostril. I know the surgeon at Chapel Hill did a remarkable job, I think he looks great. But I also know that you can see the pink stripe below his nose. And people just seem to look past it and to be very kind. Maybe it is political correctness, but have faith even in strangers. And have patience with ignorance as well, as I did with the one person who suggested home schooling for my unrepaired son.