My 10-year challenge

Ten years.

I keep repeating it to myself, because it’s not sinking in.

But it’s true—I have been an amputee for 10 years, as of today.

When I saw all of the 10-year challenge photos circulating social media recently, it made me curious what mine would look like. It only took a few seconds before I noticed it. The one thing missing from my current photo that was in the one from 2009—my left hand.

A lot has changed in 10 years, and as I reflect on everything I’ve accomplished since that dreary winter morning, I am really proud of myself.

• I conquered my fear of driving on highways again (although I still hate those rumble strips).
• I finished college (even though some well-intentioned family members wanted me to drop out of school and move home, at least for awhile).
• I fulfilled my dream of becoming a journalist (even though I’d argue it’s not exactly the easiest profession for someone with one hand).
• I taught myself to type again (and I’m 99 percent sure I’m faster now than I ever was before).
• I drove myself from Arizona to Kentucky (over the course of three days, but I did it alone).
• I learned to wear stud earrings again (despite initially believing I couldn’t put them on my ears myself).
• I tried yoga classes (even though I have to modify many of the poses).
• I rode a bike again (even though I was convinced I’d crash and hurt myself).

This list is not meant to brag, but rather to remind myself that even though there have been ups and downs, it’s been a pretty amazing decade.

At the time of my car accident, I’m not sure I ever stopped to think about how things would be different. Sure, I thought about how I would have to re-think tying shoes or buttoning shirts, but I refused to reconsider any of my life goals. I remember thinking at the time that people were ridiculous for being worried that I would do such a thing.

Now at age 28, when I think back to how strong I was at 18, I’m astonished. How did I manage to not only have that attitude, but never waiver from it? Living as an amputee can be a lot to cope with and adjust to at any age, but when you consider everything else a freshman in college is dealing with, adding this on top of it could have easily been insurmountable.

I’ll admit I had frustrating moments as I re-learned certain tasks, but somehow I always adapted and didn’t dwell on it. I kept on living.

I ran nine half marathons and one full marathon. I traveled to Italy, England and China. I saw dozens of my favorite musicians in concert. I became an aunt to three wonderful nephews and an adorable niece. I sang karaoke (once). I watched one of my sisters get married. I saw the Grand Canyon. I saw the Hoover Dam. I stood in the same room as the president and vice president of the United States.

I laughed; I loved; I cried.

I have lived my life to the fullest for these past 10 years, because I know I’m lucky for every day I’ve had since Feb. 8, 2009.

I could have died that day. As my SUV rolled across Interstate 65, the driver’s side window broke and the roof crushed in toward me. Thankfully, my seatbelt kept me from flying from the vehicle, but debris and glass were everywhere. I am so incredibly lucky that I only lost a hand and some of my scalp (which has recovered quite well).

That feeling of appreciating life and being grateful for what I do have is what has powered me through the difficult moments. That feeling is what has reminded me that giving up is never an option.

I’ll admit that I did not immediately realize what the date was today, but that feeling is always with me, even if it’s not always at the top of my mind.

Here’s to next 10 years.