Beauty Beyond the Skin

Fourteen years ago my beautiful Brooklyn Alexis joined our quickly growing family. She was perfect in every way. Life was never dull with three kids ages three and under.

  When she was 6 weeks old I noticed a bump on her forehead. I wondered what might have happened and imagined it had something to do with her rough and tumbly three year old big brother. After a couple days with no change, I made a doctor appointment. She was diagnosed with a harmless hemangioma (benign tumor).  We were told that it would most likely disappear on its own by the time she was five. I was relieved it was nothing serious but also vainly sad that my precious baby would be looked at like she had a "flaw". Everywhere we went well meaning strangers would ask what happened. Once protective, big brother answered the question with, "She was born with it, but we think she's beautiful anyway."

Of course I saw her as a beauty inside and out. By age 4 her bump was almost completely gone. Her personality demanded attention, in a good way. She loved people unbiasedly and unconditionally. The joy she exuded was seen by all. Her compassionate heart and spunky attitude are a wonderful combination.

Shortly after her 11th birthday I noticed her skin looked two-toned and uneven. She would usually tan to a golden bronze during the summer months, but parts of her arms and legs weren't getting dark. It was determined that she has an auto immune disorder called Vitiligo. It wasn't very obvious at first. More research told that it will get worse with time. Again, I was feeling sadly bummed for her imperfections (for her sake). If any personality can overcome superficial obstacles, Brooklyn's can. She could be a spokesperson on how skin flaws are much cooler than being boringly normal like everyone else.

Her 11 year old response was, "Well, I always liked Paint Horses best." (Come on, Dad, buy this girl a horse!)

taken by Apryl

True to the books, her skin has gotten worse the older she gets. She has a confidence that exceeds the curious stares. She refuses to wear long sleeves and jeans to cover her splotchy pigment. She sometimes gets questioned and is never embarrassed. Once at church camp a fellow camper came up to her and said, "Awesome, you are camouflaged!" I wanted to find that boy's mom and tell her what a great kid she had.

There is no cure for Vitiligo. The options are make up or procedures that add or take away remaining pigment. (So don't be dissing Michael Jackson's decision to become white. He, too, had this crazy disorder.)

Brooklyn has taught me how to be confident and joyful in all circumstances. God has blessed her with many talents. I'm thrilled that I get to be part of her life and watch her grow and become who God is calling her to be. And let me tell you, this special girl is anything but camouflage!