1. I'm Used To It, So It Doesn't Bother Me

This is a common statement I hear. I lost my leg when I was eight months old. When I tell people this their initial response is, “Oh, so you’re used to it, that’s good. It doesn’t bother you much then.” Wrong. It doesn’t matter if I have always been an amputee, or I just became one, this is not something that someone just gets used to. It still bothers me. It bothers me when my friends are able to go do things that I am physically limited at. It bothers me when you stare and secretly whisper to your friend. It bothers me that I will never been noticed for any feature other than my leg. It bothers me that you don’t think to ask about how I’m doing because you think I’m “used to it.” Being physically and visibly different than the vast majority of people you’re around is never something I’ll get used to. I get over it and cope, but guess what… sometimes it still sucks.

2. I Was Involved in a Tragic Accident

Fortunately some amputees, like myself, never have to go through something as tragic as losing a limb in combat or losing it in a car wreck. There are so many ways to lose a limb. Cancer, diabetes, and other diseases are major factors in limb loss and amputation. Ask me instead of assuming it was tragic and I don’t want to talk about it.

3. I Don’t Want You to Ask About My Prosthesis

Please.. Please.. Please ask me instead of gawking with your mouth wide open. Parents, if your child is looking at my leg don’t hurry them to look away, encourage them to talk to me. I will not get upset or offended. It could be a very good learning opportunity for them Encourage them to ask me about how I lost my leg and how my leg works. They can learn that being different is okay. I love explaining how my leg works and how I lost it. Explaining how it works makes me sound smart and like a scientist. Any opportunity I get to share my story and God’s will for my life, I am glorifying Him.

4. Having a Prosthesis is Just Like Having a Real Leg

“You’re so lucky you have a prosthesis… It’s pretty similar to walking like you have two.” As grateful as I am to be blessed with a prosthesis and be able to walk this statement makes me mad… so just… No. It’s so much harder. Things break and rip and hurt… constantly.

5. I Can’t Laugh at My Situation

Having one leg is hilarious. There are so many things my mom thought she’d never have to say to her daughter. “Morgan, if you leave your leg outside, the dogs will eat it.” “Morgan, don’t hit your sisters with your leg. “Morgan, I will take your leg off and beat you with it.” In high school my nickname became Captain Morgan, not because I was a raging alcoholic, but because the guy on the bottle is a pirate. I laugh at myself before anyone else can. That’s what makes me strong. One of my favorite quotes is from Steel Magnolias. “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.”