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I Am Choosing to Smile

I lost my leg to cancer at 30. My first trip out of the house as a one-legged woman would be to see a sick friend in hospital with my mom.

As I made my way through the hospital, I was prepared for looks of curiosity, sympathy, and even shock. But one thing shook me to a depth I had never experienced before. Two kids were playing in the hallway. As I passed by on my crutches (拐杖), they looked up at me, and suddenly, the little boy pointed at me. “Look at that lady!” It seemed that he was shouting loud enough for the entire hospital to hear. “She only has one leg! Doesn’t that look funny?”

Both of the kids burst into laughter. Heads turned, and I felt the blood rush to my face. I put my head down and rushed out as fast as I dared on my crutches. I held my tears back until the car door closed. As I fell into the seats, I cried, “How could they think this is funny?”

My mom tried her best to comfort me, “Honey, they are just kids. They don’t know any better.” They were just kids, but that did not excuse their rude behavior. I felt a wave of belief flood through me. I knew what I had to do. “Well, someone has to teach them!” I said. And I knew that someone would be me.

When I was well enough, I started to visit elementary schools and talk to children about being different. I was teaching children to be respectful of people who are different, and teaching them people come in all shapes, colors and sizes and we are each special and unique.

Speaking to children was just the beginning for me. I became an inspirational speaker and author and learned that being grateful for all the remaining parts of me was the only way to start and end my day. I shared my story in my book called I Am Choosing to Smile. I do, indeed, choose to smile. Waking up every morning, I look down at my one foot and say with all sincerity, “Good morning, five toes. I’m very glad to see you!”