What it Means to be Strong

What does it mean to be strong? To be physically able to do the unthinkable? To be able to power through our darkest moments? Or simply to be that person people look up to in times of need or answers.

I have learned in my journey as an amputee, that being strong also means to let people see me as being vulnerable, to see my everyday struggles, and to be able to ask for help when I need it. Have I mastered this? Not even close, but it is a work in progress.

Before my amputation, I loved to be active, such as scuba diving, cycling, mountain biking, hiking, and the list goes on. My eyes have been opened that I still can do all these activities, just differently.  I have even added sit skiing to my resume.

 I have gone on to post on my social media all the milestones I have reached since my amputation, but I have left out all of the struggles and frustrations that I am faced with on a day-to-day basis as an amputee. I was talking to a family member just the other day, and the question came up “You can mountain bike and ski, but you can’t navigate an airport?” This really got me thinking, I have left everyone in the dark about my everyday struggles because I did not want anyone to think that I wasn’t strong.

 I have not mentioned that when I do my activities such as mountain biking or skiing I don’t wear my prosthetic for various reasons, and I have a team of volunteers with me so that when I do crash and barrel roll down a hill, I will need help to right myself again. When I arrive at the ski lodge, someone will have to meet me at the parking lot to help me get to the equipment room because I can’t wheel my wheelchair through the snow and ice by myself. Or even as simple as asking someone to open a door for me.

Even though I am a person of stubbornness, and believe that I can do everything on my own, I am learning through this new journey of mine that to be strong also is accepting that it is ok to struggle, it is ok to have those days where I don’t want to try, and it is certainly ok to let others in and share my struggles and vulnerabilities as well as my triumphs. When it is all said and done and at the end of the day whatever the outcome, nothing should be left out as it’s all important.