April is Limb Difference Awareness Month. I decided to do an interesting writing exercise, asking my limb difference what it wants to tell humanity. What came out was beautiful and profound.
It’s ok to stare a little. It’s natural when you see something different to look a little longer. That’s ok. But the lingering stares. The pity. The misconceptions. That’s what bothers Kari. Please don’t assume her life is worse off because I exist. I am not a detriment to her. I am very much needed. I am here to let her teach people to treat each other with the utmost kindness. I am here to teach people that differences are needed and they are so interesting and to redefine what beauty is. Beauty comes in so many different, unique, amazing forms.
Also, please don’t make fun of me. That hurts. When you laugh, when you point, that hurts Kari so so much. Please think about if you’d want people to laugh and point at you if you were different. Please remember compassion, empathy, and like I said kindness.
Please don’t be scared of Kari. Please don’t turn away because you aren’t sure about interacting with her because she looks different. She’s here to help people feel more comfortable approaching and interacting with people who have disabilities. It’s ok to talk to her. She’s a very sweet, loving person and you would be very lucky to have her in your life and to get to know her better. Same with so many others who have disabilities. Give them a chance. Get to know them. You might find out you have more in common than you think. Be open-minded. Be open.
Kari has struggled SO much and so deeply with the repercussions of being bullied and judged because of her difference and I am here to help her educate and share her story to help change this for not only her, but for everyone who is different. Like I keep saying, lead with kindness. That’s so important. Be kind. Always be kind. ❤
Kari Storm 
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