Brianna’s Story

 “One day I was editing a video and saw some memories from before my accident, and I remembered what those times were like: my insecurities, my thoughts, my priorities.  And I cried, yes, I cried.  The next day, now calmer, I looked in the mirror and I saw myself and smiled.  I had almost no scars and I was alive, my hair had recovered, and everything was going well with my surgery.  Then I thought about the children I had known and their situations, and I was definitely fine.  After thinking a little longer, I realized why I was crying.  I wasn't crying because of my face or my scars, I was crying because of how plastic I had been and insensitive without realizing it.  I was crying because I was worried about a few simple pimples, while other children suffered from constant pain caused by burns.  I worried about losing false friendships while other mothers lost their children; I worried about “what will I do” while other children worried about “what will happen”; I worried about the shape of my body while other people lost parts of theirs; I made myself unhappy while other children, even in their worst moments, remained with a smile much more radiant than any star.  I always knew that situations like this existed but for some reason I never felt them like I do now, not necessarily because I am a bad person since I have never been one, but perhaps because of living it more closely, living with those brave souls really changed me.  I came to the conclusion, although my accident made me suffer enormously, I would never go back in time, because the marks on my mind were bigger than the marks on my face.  More than my appearance, it changed my way of thinking and even more my heart, along with my feelings and emotions.  That is the most incredible thing that has happened to me; what I have experienced these last few months has been incredible.  I have learned about the true love of a mother and a father.  I have seen hope up close, strength and sincere support.  I have known the purest hearts that anyone can find.  And above all I have learned to love myself above all things, just as everyone should love themselves.  Today I say goodbye to this beautiful house with teary eyes but with a grateful heart full of unforgettable memories. Thank you for every word of encouragement, every comforting hug and every moment of company that you have given me.  I will always carry you in my memory and heart.”