That doesn't make you superficial, that makes you normal!
My youngest were 4 years old and 10 months old when I had my surgery. I was worried how they would react also. My husband brought them in to the hospital when I was moved to a regular room and I still had the giant bandage on my head. My 4 year old looked a little concerned at first, but once I talked to her and got to hug her, she realized it was still me. I don't think the 10 month old really noticed anything, to be honest with you. Then my 4 year old insisted on helping me walk down the hall a million times a day because she knew if we made it to the nurse's station, they'd give her a popsicle for being such a good helper. Where was my popsicle???
I did wind up with facial paralysis and my biggest concern was that my kids would never know when I was smiling at them. My husband assured me that they know and they can see it in my eyes. Turns out he was right (don't tell him that!
). Hopefully, you won't have any issues with your facial nerve, but if you do. don't worry - you are mom and you'll always be mom no matter what and they will love you just the same. I like to think I've been a good example for my kids on how to handle adversity.
I work around kids a lot and I was worried how they would react, but you know, kids are really good - better than adults sometimes. In 4 years, I've only had one little boy ask why my mouth didn't move quite right and he wasn't even mean about it - just curious. I explained it to him and that was the last of it.
You and your family will definitely be in my prayers! If you want to talk, send me a PM with your phone number and I'll give you a call.
Go hug your little ones!
Lori
