The Freckle Family
“Look out for the ugly duckling!” My dermatologist cautions me every year. Born to an Irish mother, I am the only one of my siblings who inherited the stereotypical auburn hair and luminous skin that shimmers with hundreds of tiny golden flecks.
There’s no doubt that I’m a melanoma risk. My freckles are potential ticking time bombs. Some have already exploded. Numerous biopsies and wide surgical excisions have left me scarred. Regret over my teenage sunbathing has left me shamed.
Still, I’ve lived with my freckles for over forty years and they’re really cute! They dot my face and blanket my body. Tiny sun kisses that display a healthy and active side of me that still prefers to be playing outdoors. And those adorable little sprinkles functioned as a portal into the world of art.
One of my most vivid childhood memories is sitting at the kitchen table drawing a spirited world of happy people. The illustrations unfolded around The Freckle Family. They lived in a town where the sun shone bright and variegated flowers danced in the wind. The family went on adventures and always dressed chic. And everybody, including the family dog, had spots. Brimming with confidence at even such a vulnerable age, I knew that my look was rare, and I believed it was beautiful.
It took decades for my freckles to morph into something more sinister. Meanwhile, something magical was happening too. My early affinity for drawing evolved into refined talents for writing and fashion design. These gifts take me around the globe as I source unique textiles and chronicle my adventures.
But I always return home for my dermatology visits - which are mixed. Sometimes I come out unscathed. Other times I come out with fresh scars and new worries. I always come out with an overpriced latte - because a little treat helps.
As with all things in life, my freckles are complex. They are a symbol of my Irish heritage; they were an early portal into an artistic life; and they are valuable tools that warn me about underlying dangers. I will have my annual checkup soon. My skin will be scrutinized under a bright spotlight with a magnifying glass. A discerning eye will be on the lookout for any ducks gone rogue.
No matter how the visit goes, my spots will remain a constant companion through my travels, creativity and growth. While I apply daily sunscreen and proactively manage my health, the happy vibes of The Freckle Family persist through my optimistic essays and whimsical clothing collections. My freckles embody both the good and the bad of life. Fortunately, I have the capacity to simultaneously hold onto both. And there’s nothing ugly about that!
