Last week a friend told me that I should try to hide my disability better because otherwise I will embarrass my kids. She suggested that I needed to learn to walk better–without any limp. She encouraged me to wear clothes that would hide my prosthesis.
I really didn’t know how to respond. Then I thought for a minute. These comments were from a woman who is overweight. She wears high-heeled shoes despite some serious back problems that are exacerbated by her choice of footwear. I have never seen her exercise.
OTOH, I go to the gym often and lift weights or swim. I eat healthily. I walk several blocks/day. I wear athletic shoes and clothing that makes me comfortable.
I may walk differently, but I can still get where I need to go. And my kids don’t seem embarrassed.