Like most amputees (especially lower-limb amputees), I tend to struggle when it comes to shoe shopping. What once felt like a treat now feels like paying taxes. I bring a buddy for moral and physical support, hop around (literally) from store to store, and hope for the best…

Eight years after a cancer diagnosis and two years after a recurrence and subsequent amputation of my right leg, I finally saw a therapist. Hallelujah. I have been putting this off for YEARS. What would a mental health professional say when I shared my story? Would they seem shocked and unsure how to proceed? Or would I be judged for how I have been coping thus far? …

The day I got my first prosthesis, I sat impatiently and in a daydream state, waiting for my prosthetist to finish his lecture on how to properly care for my liner, the words he used sounding like nothing more than noise as I waited to be told I could finally take her (Lucy) home. I vaguely remember something about cleaning the liner but, it was still brand new and didn’t seem important at the moment. I had a new toy to play with and lots of walking to do. Then the rashes started…

This week I got to wondering why people feel inclined to share unsolicited advice. What makes a person think ‘right now seems like a great moment to share my opinion on something that no one asked for’? …

When the average person feels a twinge in their leg, they don't jump to the most dreadful conclusion that they must have a cancerous tumor lurking in their body. When a cancer survivor feels strange pain it's hard not to panic…

The big chop, life-saving procedure, amputation- no matter how you put it, limb loss is not for the faint of heart, even though it can and does happen to just about anyone, so how do we cope when it’s our leg the doctor marks a big X on? …

It's 2022. Employers can no longer only hire white men without consequence, and we are beginning to make a dent in the racial and gender disparity that exists in the American workplace. Persons living with a disability must be considered for jobs when reasonable accommodations will make it possible for them to complete the required duties of the role…

It's been 2+ years, and I've never said the words out loud for fear of slipping too deeply into the dark waters of limb loss depression. But, I'd simply be lying if I said I didn't miss my right leg…

We bought the house, signed the giant stack of scary paperwork, toasted with margaritas, and a month later, it was time to pick up the keys. We were beyond excited as we put the key in the lock for the very first time, even bringing along a couple of our favorite plants to make it feel like home fast. Then a few days later, we flooded the garage trying to pull out an old laundry sink we THOUGHT was disconnected from the waterline…

There was turkey in November and Honey Ham in December. On the 31st, you drank champagne and toasted to whatever. Now it's 2022, and there are no fun Holidays or time off to look forward to until at least May. Feeling a little blue? Yeah, me too…

I may be guilty of chronic optimism, but I am once again looking forward to a new year, despite still missing my right leg and being in the middle of a pandemic that has lasted since 2019…

My two-year ampuversary was this week and I have been reflecting on just how far I've come since the chop. Starting this blog gave me purpose, fulfillment, and connection. Two years later, I'm still writing it all down because of YOU…