“That’s the way God made me”

When Haley was about a year old, we noticed that her left eyelid had begun to droop and was a bit swollen all the time. When her optic nerve tumour was diagnosed several months later, that explained many of her physical symptoms, but not the droopy eyelid. We were told that it was caused by something called a plexiform neurofibroma – a manifestation of her genetic disorder, but one that was causing her no harm other than that it made her eyes look a little different. 

As she got older and the swelling increased, people started to ask about her puffy eyelid. Haley had the self-confidence that most little children have before they start to notice and compare themselves with others, and the questions didn’t bother her in the least. But it bothered me that people would ask, as I knew over time those seemingly innocent questions could erode her self-esteem. So I suggested a simple response, and Haley adopted it and used it regularly: “That’s the way God made me.” She wouldn’t even hesitate when the question came at her, quickly giving the reply that I hope others took to heart. God had done a wonderful job making Haley – she was thoughtful, caring, kind, and funny, just to name a few of her endearing qualities. 

We all have our flaws, whether physical or personality, and while we can work on those areas that may cause harm to ourselves or others, those things we cannot change we have to accept with self-compassion.  Recognizing “That’s the way God made me” was Haley’s simple way to accept and appreciate herself as she was, and is an attitude I think we should all adopt!