Hell No!

Walking into school yesterday, I was anticipating a normal week. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, and I was looking forward to a casual, albeit busy, day. As I was leaving the school, the Principal asked me into her office, and I instantly knew that my stress-free demeanor was about to become a memory. 

As she began to speak, I felt like I was witnessing a poor movie. After all, this conversation could not be happening in 2013! Numb and dumbfounded, I was diplomatically informed that a complaint has been voiced about my attire. I was confused because my wardrobe is comprised of conservative "mom-wear" and a few demure work outfits. Other than the occasional stain, I have never worn anything that could be classified as offensive.

I must have looked confused, because the Principal clarified by explaining that the issue was with my prosthesis, not my clothes. A parent, not a student, had actually taken the time to complain about seeing my prosthetic? My immediate response of, "If they find seeing it so unseemly, they should try wearing it!" was met with a flat reaction.

If my prosthesis ever made a student feel uncomfortable, I would jump on the opportunity to educate and enlighten. So many times children are initially uncomfortable simply because a prosthetic is an unknown concept. I never hesitate to tell my story, to let them touch and investigate my prosthesis, and I always find the time to answer their questions. Had this issue originated from a child, it would have been easier to accept. The fact that an adult took it upon himself (I suspect I know who it is) to complain about my prosthesis being visible infuriates me!

Although I don't feel that I should have been made aware of this complaint, I don't judge the Principal. She was in an uncomfortable situation and was probably hoping that I would be the avenue of least resistance. I have been nothing but accommodating and helpful all school year, so it would be easy to assume that I would simply oblige for the remaining six weeks of school. She was wrong!

If viewing my prosthesis is offensive to this individual's sensibilities, might I suggest he not look in my direction. I am an amputee, and that reality is never going to change. It took a lot of courage for me to make my prosthetic visible for the first time. I have absolutely no intention of now covering it up simply to satisfy the ignorance of one arrogant fool. 

Despite the cold temperatures and the rain, I am wearing shorts today. I plan on wearing shorts, or a skirt, for the remainder of the school year. For good measure, last night Robby had a great time applying sparkly crystals and stickers to my socket. I will be a full-on blinged out Amputee Mommy for the remainder of the school year!