A summary of my second year as an amputee

My second year as an amputee has been tougher than my first. The honeymoon period has worn off, I’m hitting walls and barriers and a ton of ‘I will never be able to do that again’ realisations as I start to adjust my expectations from restoring a life I lost, to building a shiny new one that’s a slightly different shape.

☀️ The highlights of my past year☀️
(In no particular order)

🤗 I was introduced to a brand new sport, one that I have competed in equally with able bodied people – but also as an elite para representing New Zealand. Not only that but I became world champion less than 6 months after taking up Waka ama! Massive thank you to Te Piritahi a Rua (top left) my local Waka ama club) for introducing me to an amazing new sport, one that comes with an unique and incredible whanau who took me in with open arms, no questions asked)

🤗 I tackled one of the most terrifying things I have had to do: solo international travel as a disabled person. Aaaand got to see my daddy for the first time in 8 years (top right)

🤗 I the opportunity for the first time in ten years to try and start running again (with a running blade)

😔 Sadly, I lost a dear friend, Keith. We met in HDU while both trying to keep hold of both feet. He died suddenly and unexpectedly while I was in England in August.

🤗 I met an amazing man, who accepted me for who I am, physical and psychological disabilities and all and has made me feel like the luckiest girl on earth.

🤗 due to some work with the local harriers running club, I managed to help them realise that it is safe to open up entries for the southland festival of running to disabled (wheelchair) runners for the very first time.

🤗 I completed the Whakatipu legend, 5KM swim across lake Wakatipu – in the events inaugural year. I was the only disabled swimmer to do so.

❤️ and finally I stood on the top step of the podium as world champion in my first ever Waka ama international competition representing New Zealand. This was also my first event as a para athlete.

❤️❤️ I am also very thankful to have an amazing circle of friends cheering my corner, supporting me through thick and thin and helping hold me together. They also must be mentioned too (I hope they all know who they are) ❤️❤️

How I spent the day: ampuversary #2

2 years today, my life was changed for ever by elective amputation of my left leg below the knee.

Although it was elective I really didn’t have much of a choice, live in unbearable pain with a lower leg that didn’t work was my only other option. It was a no brainer.

On the run up to today I have been really struggling with anxiety and depression so I was dreading today. When I woke I decided to do with the day the same as I did with my mums anniversary (👼) and make it a day filled with good things that cheer me up.

⭐️ I volunteered at Parkrun. I was NOT in the mood for smiles, cheers and chit chat but I have to be honest, being forced to do so did actually lift my mood.

⭐️ I went for a bike ride. 37km – and it went amazingly well. It’s been a wee while since I last managed that far, and I really think I have found a technique to manage the pain over distance and keep it at a tolerable level.

⭐️ I rounded off the day by taking myself out for dinner. Dinner for 1 at my favourite Indian restaurant.

❤️it’s also the first time in a long time that I have worn trousers. Just for one day, I wanted to ignore the disability for a while and feel / look ‘normal’ for a bit. What better a day to do it than my second ampuversary.❤️