Scars: Our History

The burning of Notre Dame Cathedral brought tears to my eyes. Not because I claim to be Catholic, Christian or even particularly religious, but because of what the 850 year old structure stands for, the strength and endurance of faith. Despite the recent fire and centuries of damage from wars, weather and wear, the symbol stands. It stands as it has for centuries. After all, it's the history that makes the building special. Really...if those stone walls and bell towers could talk! That history, those “scars,” are worthy of respect.

In Japan, there is a practice called “Kintsugi” or “golden joinery”, which is the art of using gold or platinum dust in lacquer resin to repair broken and often ancient pottery. Philosophically, the beauty of the repairs enhances the history of the piece and it becomes something to behold and admire. The history makes it special.

For those of us who have broken and been repaired, damaged and rebuilt, there is history in our scars. They are a part of what made us who we are. My arm quit working over two years ago. That means it worked for a really long time. Much like the walls of Notre Dame, if this arm could talk, the stories it could tell! I struggle still to wear my scars proudly. It's not easy to do sometimes. No one who understands what I mean has it easy. Although time does help and positive thinking.

There is no doubt that despite the fire, the architecture and historical importance of Notre Dame Cathedral will endure and the story of the burning will become a vital part of the structure's long history. My pronounced limp, a paralyzed arm...a part of my history, no different than the scar on my lip from falling backwards in a chair when I was two. History makes it special.