“A journey consists of many steps. Some parts of the journey are so much fun we could skip and dance our way along the path. But others are so challenging we’re not sure we can take one more step.
For me, being a cleftie is like that journey.
The pain, agony, depression that can overwhelm me when I need to, or then do have yet another operation, procedure. Or when the side effects of having a cleft is akin to getting a cold slap out of left field. These are the hardest parts of the cleft journey.
But I am so much more than my medical history (and future).
Oh, the immense peace that I have found with accepting that having a cleft has been and is a beautiful part of my journey, woven into the fabric of who I am.
My cleft has gifted me with the ability to truly empathise with all those around me. It has given me the willpower to want to stand up and be counted, to be heard. It has enriched my faith.
These gifts far outweigh the physical impact of being a cleftie. In the end I know I would not trade them for any other journey.
To many more crooked, but happy, smiles 
Karen Scott.”
