Catherine

Catherine - 2/97

As a child I was treated no differently by the other children, but I did think of myself as ‘Unique’, because I had never come across another child with the same difference until years later. This personal outlook gave me a confident attitude. Certainly I was never treated any differently by my parents, and coming from a household with two brothers and two sisters we certainly kept my parents busy!

It’s nice to look back at the tender moments, for instance, when my parents would hold my ‘little hand’ as I called it. This gave me a sense of comfort and well-being. My mother still has very fond memories of me as a toddler, holding one toy under my ‘little hand’ while I grabbed another toy with my other hand! I was very lazy about starting to walk, and shuffled around on my bottom, but in just one day I went for it, and gave my mother a run for her money! My ‘little hand’ would turn purple with the cold at times, but I hated to have it covered by my sleeve and would hold a sweet packet under it. As a young girl I enjoyed watching the ‘Bionic Woman’ on TV and of course the other school children would ask ‘Are you going to have a bionic hand’? My reply was ‘Maybe’? Of course I was not bothered whether I got one or not! My ‘little hand’ was good enough for me and I used it to hold objects, and feel textures.

My parents did pursue the option of obtaining an artificial hand for me. I am grateful to them for leaving no stone unturned. But a hook and harness type limb was the only option available at the time all those years ago, and it ended up on the shelf. Of course situations differ and people differ and this is only my experience. But my advice to parents would be to ‘go with the flow’, and do not feel under any pressure to adhere to certain time-limits or social norms. Children certainly adapt to situations in their own way and in their own time. It is more important for them to feel accepted and loved for who they are. I feel I am here to educate others and to let them know that its my ability that matters and not my disability. Your child will certainly educate you day by day with his/her many achievements.

After much determination and hard work, I have obtained a permanent and secure government position as a typist with 40 words per minute. In my opinion it is very important to always pursue further studies and see myself as an important asset, and realize I have the power to influence and educate others. I travel a lot, horse-ride, and swim, and obstacles have only made me more determined. My friends believe my limb defect has acted as an accelerating element in my life, and never know what to expect from me next. I hope these few thoughts have been of some help.