ash liang π cinder (wirecutters) wrote in dunhavenic, @ 2019-04-30 00:30:00 |
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Entry tags: | !network, * jamie, c: ashton liang, c: jun li, c: stella king, r: asha freeman 1 |
April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month. Amputee Coalition has been working on getting it declared as such in all 50 states, but that doesn't really keep it from being recognized by those of us in the community. They created a great calendar of personal events throughout the month, but my favorite had to be the activity for today, April 30. It's a day meant to thank someone who has helped you on your journey. So, if you'll forgive me for a hot second, Dunhaven, I'm going to indulge in some sap. I promise when this is over, I'll be back to dispensing your regularly scheduled sass.
I think that, given that this is a small town where everyone knows everything about everyone, you'd be hard pressed to find someone that isn't at least vaguely aware of the fact that I lost my left arm up to just under my elbow and most of my left leg in a car accident when I was three. I don't really have memories of having all of my limbs, but I do remember the struggle of getting used to prostheses and growing into new ones. I remember what it felt like to feel different and awkward. (To be entirely honest, I still feel different and awkward some days, but who doesn't?) Looking back, though, I know that I owe everything I am right now to my parents. They supported me in a way that most parents don't dream of ever having to support their children and they sacrificed for me in ways I'm sure I still don't entirely realize.
I won't pretend that my parents and I have a perfect relationship. I am the person I am today, all sarcasm and independence and need to have the last word rolled up into one person, because of them. We don't always agree and my mom and I bicker more often than not, but I have never once doubted their love for me and I will never take that for granted. So, despite the fact that neither of them use the network, I wanted to say thank you to them for being pretty amazing. If any of you happen to see Michael or Diana Liang out there today, give them a thumbs up or a high five. It might weird them out because I'm not giving them any warning on that declaration, but that's half the fun. π
All right, sap complete. Only sass from now on, I promise.