I love the fact that I have been working for five months yet only two co-workers know that I am a below knee amputee. I have worked hard to smooth my gait and I am proud of the fact that it is not noticeable. At the same time, I'm proud to be an amputee and I don't feel compelled to hide my disability. Confused? I don't quite understand myself either.
West Virginia is a miserable place to live with a disability. Immediately upon moving to the state I recognized an increase in verbal quips and sneers when I had my prosthesis visible. My decision to wear only pants at work was a proactive move against possible discrimination. I wanted the opportunity to meet my coworkers, and to do the job, without the bias of my being an amputee.
Somehow, five months have passed and I now feel like I'm safeguarding a secret. I've decided to wear a skirt in April for Limb Loss Awareness Month. Until then, this is our little secret.
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