a child of God
a daughter
a wife
a mom
a sister
a cousin
a niece
a loyal friend
a granddaughter
a graduate
a teacher
a clean freak
a recent gardner
and
an amputee
These are titles that really do define who I am. There are so many more too. I lost myself for a few years. Not because of something bad. In fact, quite the opposite. I was so focused on the other people in my life that I forgot who I was. I became embarrassed about something that I was always proud of and always overcame. I am an amputee. My blessed parents had to make a choice for me before I could choose for myself. Their choice has blessed my life in more ways than they will know. I was born without my fibula and a few other bones in my right foot. So the doctors asked my parents to choose between amputation or reconstruction on the foot. They chose amputation and because of that I can walk, run, jump, and play with my girls. I am so grateful for that. Has it come with its own challenges? Of course. In fact I had to beat up two annoying little twin boys that made fun of me all the time. Trust me, getting kicked with a prosthetic is NOT a good time. Yeah, they never said a word to me after that. {Gee, I hope they are able to have children.} I'm digressing. But I feel sort of empowered to do the things I do with only one foot.
When Doug asked my dad if he "could have my hand in marriage" (haha, that sounds so funny) my dad asked him how he felt about my leg. My dad wasn't trying to turn him away from me in anyway, he just wanted to make sure that Doug loved all of me. Doug thinks it's the coolest thing. He has never even thought twice about it. Reason #322 why I love him. He never judged me or put me down. He wants to make me a leg someday........we'll just work on getting a job right now.
I have very great friends who would literally knock someone out if they made fun of me. So if you didn't know it, now you do. It's cool. Ask me questions, I love them.
I hardly have any pictures of my leg "showing." That is because, like I said, I lost myself for awhile. But don't worry, I found her again and it's been wonderful!
9 comments:
you're one amazing chica! i remember when i first found out about your leg. you and doug were teaching sunday school and you told us the story. i was blown away, because i couldn't believe that some one so fun and active could have a prosthetic leg (i hope that didn't sound rude, i am just really naive). but, you are amazing and totally inspiring and sure know how to rock it! :-)
I forgot all about it to tell you the truth. When you get to know someone you just don't see things like that anymore. Samm, my little niece has a huge brown birthmark all over her face. I honestly don't even see it anymore and forget it is even there because I just see her. I know we are our worst critics, but that is part of who you are and what makes us all love you so much.
I'm glad that you found yourself. I have always loved whoever you were and are. You have been the greatest friend to my baby and I have had the opportunity of watching you grow and even being a small part of your life. Last of all, I love you because I love your mother, my greatest friend. Stacey and I have been so lucky!!
I love you, Mar! And you are right... to this day I would still knock someone out if they ever offended my sweet friend. In fact, I was asked by our Stake President to "share something that the Spirit was telling me" in front of all RS/EQ a month ago. I got up, and briefly explained about how judging others is only damaging ourselves. Then I went on to explain how had we never been friends I would not have the life I had today. I was so moved and I knew everyone else was too since they were all crying. You are such an inspiration and example, even to strangers... just so you know!!
xoxo
I've alwasy thought you were amazing...honestly. When I first met you, you could not even tell. When I saw your leg for the first time I thought "Wow she is strong." And I of coarse did not know how it came about, but now I do. It is truly who you are, and shows how strong you are. Thank you, for being YOU! :)
actually, I always thought it was kinda cool.
I love you Marilyn through and through. You are right; I would beat any one up that would even think about making fun of you. You are truly the sweetest, most loving, generous, thoughtful, etc. etc. person I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I am so blessed that I have you as an eternal friend. I honestly forget all the time as well that you have a prosthetic leg. It certainly doesn't slow you down and I have always looked up to you. Love you Mar! Oh and you are the greatest Wife and Mom ever. Your family is so lucky to have you.
Oh, Mar. How I remember that day. I love you and your legs.
I have always thought you were and are amazing!!! and NO your leg for sure doesn't define you, it just makes you stronger! and Leaves people in awe of what you can do!!!!!! You are an amazing person and I miss ya badly what an amazing few years we had in Logan!!!
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