a statement NOT a question
sitive self-image on of us who have experienced a life-changing illness or physical injury must struggle to come to terms with the difference between our previous self-image and our current reality. I went through this and, by sharing my experience, I hope that I can help other amputees who are dealing with this issue. Twelve years ago, I was in a severe car accident and came out of the experience a bilateral below-knee amputee. This completely turned my self-image upside down. At first, I went through a phase where I was embarrassed by my appearance. I did everything I could think of to hide my “new reality” because I did not want anyone to realize that I was different. People who know me notice that I walk without a limp. This is because, from the very beginning, I was obsessed with practicing my walk in hopes of fooling the world. My attitude about trying to disguise my condition did not change until I met my wife, Andrea. One thing Andrea and I share is our joy in being able to help others. After lots of convincing from her, I realized that I could help others by not hiding who I was (and am) and by just being myself. I swore that if I could help others through a time like I was going through, I would do whatever it took. At first, I was extremely self-conscious and very anxious whenever I went out in public with my prosthetic legs “exposed.” And then I found that, after “just doing it” and beginning to speak about my experience to other amputees as part of the Westcoast Peer Visitor Program, my perceptions about myself and how I thought others perceived me started to change. As with many things in life, it’s all about perception and practice. The more
a statement
it’sNOT ana attitude question it's an it’s aattitude book
I got out there, the more I began to feel comfortable with myself and realize that I needed to be looking at my “new” situation differently. My bilateral amputee status does not make me abnormal or weak; I now see it as a symbol of my strength. When we are able to persevere in the face of life-changing obstacles, our true inner strength and courage shine. Once I began seeing things from this perspective, I realized that my self-esteem had improved and my confidence had increased - all because I allowed myself to believe that I can still accomplish whatever goals I set for myself - even now, as an amputee. I moved myself from a place of surviving to a place where I am thriving. I now believe that any of us can achieve whatever we desire. Yes, the equipment we use might be a little different, the training must be designed to accommodate our physical differences, and it will take hard work, but it can be done. Whether it’s during a dip in the pool, a bike ride, or a run with friends, I now proudly display my prosthetic legs and scars as trophies from a battle in which I was victorious. In our society, we are always on the lookout for heroes. We love to find that “next new person” who has done something amazing, especially in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. So my advice is, “Go for it. Be that hero. But remember, even though you now control how others see you, it’s how you see yourself that’s the most important thing of all.” Bobby Puckett is a bilateral amputee, a Westcoast Brace & Limb Patient Ambassador, a competitive handcyclist, and a Paralympian-in-Training. He lives in Tampa Bay, Florida.
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october/november 2012 Amp it up! magazine
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