cammie...you're too sweet :o)

[Guest guest]

It's always nice to hear that I don't look like I've had a cleft -

I've worked pretty hard to get that way ) All of my surgeries prior

to this one were performed in NJ by the same surgeon. He did an

excellent job repairing my lip and nose (I had no cartilage in the

tip). At the time I was growing up, fusing the palate was not

completely standard...and being the shallow pre-teen I didn't want

another scar on my hip. So I didn't do it. When I started having

problems, I figured I'd consult someone in the hospital I worked

in...not knowing that I was talking to the " god of clefts. "

Anyway, I tell you all this because when I first met him, he looked

closely at my lip and said " You didn't have a cleft lip? *long pause*

Oh yes, you did. It looks amazing! " Now, he has said some pretty

crazy things - but that was the best compliment I had ever gotten.

The " best " cleft surgeon couldn't even tell at first )

I think often about doing some mentoring...maybe on the SmileTrain (a

cleft org) or something for other cleft kids. This current surgery

has been rough because it brought up a lot of issues from childhood

(like braces...ugh...and teeth extractions)...but when it's all done

I'd like to help inspire some people. I've heard time and time again

that a lot of cleft kids end up being sort of shy - but that's never

been my problem

Alright, I'll stop rambling now. I just wanted to thank you for

saying such kind words. It really means a lot to me )

-becky