Band-Aids

Band-Aids

We loved them as kids, showed them off to our friends, and wanted the most beautiful or funny or… There was Flintstones, Band-aid brand and many, many more. Some kids just put them on for a conversation piece; some hated them because they became a conversation piece. Regardless of the type you were then, my bet is that you are still wearing them now. Some are just as bright and obvious now as some of them were then. The difference is that it is a smile or a laugh or a happy mask that you ware out, the one kept by the door that you place on your face before facing the public and most “friends”.

 Some are not so well seen, better hidden. Those are the “normal” looks that you place on your face, the “normal” demeanor that you project when dealing with the public and “friends”. Sometimes these aids are multi faceted, meaning more than one band-aid to cover the wounds that you have suffered.

Some of these band-aids do not even cover the wounds, and they show and leak all around the edges. Some only cover part time and allow the wound to show at the worst time to the ones that we wish not to show. And some of the band-aids just fall off. Fall off when we least expect them and we have to scramble to put it back on again before to many notice.

 As you probable have figured out, the wounds are the trauma that has been dealt to us from someone else. The leaking is not blood although it does feel that our very lives are draining out of us but instead the tears that flow at the drop of a hat. To us and to the ones that have been down this road, wearing the same shoes that we now inhabit, the wounds are gaping and ghastly, in some cases putrid and smelling of death and almost always fear. Some of the wounds are like scratches that cover our skin in its entirety causing repeated damage and encompassing pain.

 The band-aids are things like the smile we plaster on our face to “show” we are OK or the happy go lucky demeanor that we present even when dying in side; “send in the clowns.”

 That loud, in your face, attitude that we adopt to cover the pain and loss, “I am OK!” A band-aid can be what I am doing right now, writing; this is a band-aid to me although not the only one. Interaction between birds of a feather is a band-aid that soothes and comforts the soul, be it only for a little while. Some choose to use the HOUSE band-aid for comfort and not leave the confines of it. That way they do not have to worry about anyone seeing them in this “state” or trying to get them out to heal. A band-aid can become self pity and loathing thinking that this is “all my fault, I should have done something better!” 

 Finally and sadly, I have read of those that have chosen the permanent band-aid. I admit I even considered this one for a short time. Permanent band-aid is a bullet, non reversible, non refundable and non conducive to life.

 But the best band-aid that I and many have found is the “life” one, the one that allows you to once again experience life, joy and happiness. This one can be put on and it just seems to disappear as time goes by, like the dissolving stitches, just gone without notice.

 It is a beautiful band-aid, covers all, soothes all, heals all and works best with time. Sadly you cannot buy this band-aid, you have to accept it, work for it, strive it and each time you fail you have to get up and do it again for I am learning that it is the best band-aid for the continuing life and happiness that we are seeking.

 When this band-aid disappears and is gone you do not notice but do notice that you are OK and getting along well; that the pain and fear and all the other ills that you once had with that wound are mostly gone.

 Sorry, it does not seem to get rid of scars but does make them less painful.

Oh one other thing; I am not sure but I think that the band-aid of which I speak can be passed from one to another and it does not spread ill will but hope and healing.

Just my thoughts for today

And the journey continues….

5/10/2011