As I was listening to the radio earlier this week, I heard the heartwarming story of Gabriel and Josh Marshall. Gabriel, an eight-year-old boy, was diagnosed with, and eventually defeated brain cancer. As a consequence of his terrifying brain surgery, he was left with a snake-shaped scar on the side of his head. To show extreme love and support, his father, Josh, got a tattoo in the shape of Gabriel’s scar in the exact same place.

“I told him if people wanted to stare, they could stare at both of us,” dad, Josh said.

All I could think after hearing the story was wow. What a selfless, kind and loving father. Supporting your child is exactly what parenthood is about. Not only did he show exceptional encouragement, but he also taught his son an important lesson: Embrace your scar and realize that it does not define you. This is a very important lesson, not only for eight-year-olds, but also for everyone.

As someone with a scar, this is a lesson I had to learn early on. Across my upper body, I have a scar that takes the place of my belly button and stretches upward. I have had multiple surgeries, from which I am lucky to be alive, which is why my body is now “blemished.” Yet, I think of how lucky I am to have a “disfigurement.” I had (well, I should say that my parents had) two options: die or be left with a scar. I am glad my parents chose the latter.

Sometimes when I sit there embarrassed of my scar (mainly at the swimming pool), I think of everything I would not have accomplished if I had just died. I would not have attended an amazing all-girls school filled with the world’s most amazing women. I would not be at the beautiful college I am privileged enough to attend. I would never have traveled to Taos, Cozumel, New Orleans, New York, Boston, Tybee Island or Honolulu. I would never have adopted an amazing black kitten named Nala. I would never be my strong, confident, independent self.

If I could say one thing to Gabriel Marshall, I would say never be embarrassed of your scar. Shame on anyone who makes fun of you. I would like to see anyone go through what you have. Be proud of it. Not everyone is lucky enough to get out of cancer with just a scar. If I could say one thing to everyone else with a scar, it would be that your scar is beautiful. You may not feel like it is but there is a beautiful story behind every scar. I am the first person to complain about my scar or refer to it as an “imperfection.” Yet, I am also the first person to admit that I love my scar. It is a trophy from a hard fought battle that I emerged from victorious. Own your scar because it signifies something so much more than just a “defect.”