Gina Heslop
One Saturday, I was cleaning up my yard when my neighbor’s nine-year-old son, Dylan, asked if he could swim in my pool.
I agreed and brought him some lemonade. As he took off his shirt, I noticed a large scar on his back, stretching from his left shoulder blade down toward his waist. Shocked, I accidentally dropped the glass, and it shattered on the concrete. I quickly tried to play it cool so I wouldn’t scare him.
Dylan didn’t seem bothered. He even apologized, thinking he had startled me. I reassured him it was just an accident and encouraged him to enjoy the pool while I cleaned up.
As I swept up the glass, I couldn’t stop wondering about the scar. I’d known Dylan and his mom, Carla, for a couple of years, but we’d never gotten into deep conversations. I had no idea something this significant had happened.
When Dylan got out of the pool, I gently asked about his scar. To my relief, he didn’t mind talking about it. He explained he had scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves.
His condition was severe, and he needed surgery last year. He spent a long time in the hospital, and while his mom stayed by his side, his dad only visited once. Despite this, Dylan spoke about it with a calm acceptance that impressed me.
A few days later, I ran into Carla and brought up Dylan’s visit. She confirmed his story, explaining how serious his condition had been and how brave he was through it all. She seemed relieved to share this, and I admired how strong they both were.
Dylan continued to visit, and we had fun together in the pool. He shared more about his recovery, like his physical therapy sessions and how hard it was to miss school.
His openness showed me how resilient kids can be. They adapt and find joy even after going through tough times.
One day, Dylan brought me a plate of homemade cookies to thank me. His small gesture was a reminder of how much he appreciated my kindness. It made me realize how little acts of caring could mean a lot to someone who’s been through a lot.
Over time, I stopped seeing just the scar on Dylan’s back. Instead, I noticed his bright smile, his laughter, and his curiosity.
His story taught me a powerful lesson: everyone carries scars, whether visible or hidden. We should approach each other with kindness and empathy because we never truly know what someone has been through.
