Dear Hand

I was born with a limb difference and decided to write a letter to my hand for Valentine’s Day:

Dear Hand,

You are the reason I was bullied.

I feel embarrassed to show you to people.

I hate getting stared at everywhere I go.

And you are causing it.

It’s your fault.

I hate you.

Don’t you know how ugly you are?

I don’t even want to deal with you or look at you.

It’s easier to just hide you away, under my sleeve, so people can’t see you and stare.

I prefer to ignore you, pretend you don’t exist.

You are the source of so much hurt and pain.

Life would be easier without you.

But, the thing is,

I can’t picture myself without you.

It just doesn’t feel right.

If I had to choose, I would choose you.

You’re a part of me.

I wouldn’t be me without you.

You taught me to be kind, loving, compassionate, and resilient.

It’s because of you that I have so many amazing people in my life who love and accept me as I am.

It’s because of you that I can so easily love and accept other people for who they are.

I spent so much of my life hating you and feeling ashamed of you.

It’s time I stopped blaming you.

It’s not your fault people stare.

You didn’t do anything wrong.

It’s not your fault society has told people you’re ugly and that you deserve to be laughed at and bullied.

Because you don’t!

it’s not your fault if people don’t see your beauty.

How could they, when I didn’t even see it?

You’re actually pretty cute.

And unique.

And memorable.

Not many people have a hand like you.

Society says there’s something wrong with you, that you’re less than, that you should be written off.

I’m here to help change that narrative.

You are perfect exactly as you are.

It’s society that needs to change – not you.

I’m here to spread the word that people who look different are beautiful, lovable, worthy, and capable.

I’m here to help teach society how you deserve to be treated. .

Had it not been for you, I wouldn’t have experienced looking different.

I want to help make sure kids don’t have to go through what I went through.

You have given me my life purpose.

What a beautiful gift.

Thank you.

I’m sorry I made you feel like you needed to hide.

I was scared.

I still am.

But, I also know you deserve to be seen.

I’m ready to start showing you to the world.

Love,
Kari