Patience is a virtue I wish I didn’t have to use so often

As I find myself once again waiting for a doctor to sign a document so my prosthetist can begin to make me a test socket that may or may not fit me correctly, I cannot help but think of how often I've had to be patient over the last ten years. I am easily irritated by red street lights, and I cannot stand how long a frozen lasagna takes to cook in the oven, but here is a list of things I waited ages for that would drive most people insane.

Biopsy Results- did you know some biopsy results take up to three weeks?! There is nothing quite like sitting at home counting the days to find out if your own cells are trying to kill you.

Prosthesis—Insurance approval for any kind of prosthesis is a nightmare. It can take many months, require piles of documentation, and even involve appeals in some cases. I was lucky to get a loaner three months post-op until I was able to qualify for my own. I'd be lying if I said those three months didn't feel like years.

An accessible home - When I had my leg amputated, I was living in a home I loved, but the sunken living room and hallway into my bedroom made it tricky to navigate with my new disability. Thanks to the best realtor in the world, twenty or so showings later, we were able to find a single-story home with no steps that met all our needs and wants, including retro charm.

Loving my new body- I'll never forget the first time I walked past a large mirror in my crutches and saw myself. It felt like a little sting to my heart. I didn't recognize myself. Although I knew I made the right choice, I had not yet accepted my new appearance, and I knew I had work to do. Eventually, I came to love who I had become, and now, when I look in the mirror, I see strength and resilience, and to me, that is beautiful.

All of this is to say I think it's okay that I roll my eyes at a red light. I've paid my patience dues. I've waited with more grace than most, and no frozen dinner should take more than twenty minutes in an oven, as far as I'm concerned. I didn't make it from scratch for a reason.