I Can Crack Some Killer Leg Jokes, Can You?

When I was 16, I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and was told I would need a below-the-knee amputation. I’d like to think I coped with this fairly well, but as any person would, I started to think about how much this would affect my life. As you can imagine, this sent me into sort of a downward spiral of all the things I’d “never be able to do again.” So let me give you a list of all my “cant’s” that most people would never even think of.

I can’t wear very high heels or slips-ons because they’ll fly right off my foot.

I can’t get a pedicure without the employee being awkward about if they should paint the nails on my prosthetic.

I can’t wear shorts without being stared at.

I can’t go swimming without worrying about getting my leg wet.

I can’t go to amusement parks without first checking if I’m even allowed to ride any of the rides.

Now you might be thinking, “These don’t seem very important. Why does it matter if you can’t wear heels? At least you’re alive.” And yes, you’re right and I’m thankful to be alive, but I’m also a young woman who loves shoes and doesn’t want to be held back. I want to show people that I’m just as capable as everyone else. Plus, if you think about it, I can do plenty of things you probably can’t.

I can take my leg off to paint my toes, making the whole process way easier.

I can park in closer parking spots than you.

I can save time and money on shaving only one of my legs.

I can crack some killer leg jokes.

I can speak about my illness and help raise awareness.

And lastly, I can balance on one leg for a hell of a lot longer than most people.

You see, your life most likely won’t turn out the way you expect it to, but if you turn your cant’s into cans and look on the bright side, many things are possible. And although I will admit that I most likely will always lose a race, I don’t plan on losing life’s race anytime soon.