“Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.” - Robert Browning. Peggy is enjoying motherhood and living an active life with her children and family. Peggy’s left leg was crushed when a computer monitor fell directly on top of her foot. After going through unbearable pain for some years she took the hard decision to amputate her leg and adapted to her prosthetic leg emotionally and physically with a strong positive attitude. Peggy’s experiences as an amputee and as a mother have helped her to appreciate her strengths and now strives to achieve what she did not try before.

How did your life change after your amputation? From where did you draw your strength as you were adjusting to a new way of life?P: Fresh out of college and working my dream job, I sustained a life altering work injury on March 12, 1998. A computer (they were considerably larger and heavier in the 1990's) fell onto the top of my foot at a conference, crushing the bones. I fought constant pain and endured more than 20 surgeries in an attempt to salvage my foot. I finally reached the decision that amputation was my best chances for a normal life. It was, without a doubt, the most difficult decision I have ever made. Nobody wants to remove a biological part of their body knowing that doing so will make them disabled in the eyes of the world. I believed that life with a prosthesis and without pain would be better than the agony I was living with on a daily basis.
I thought that I did all of the necessary research before my amputation. Despite my preparation, I found myself feeling depressed and despondent after the amputation. I feel like I feigned happiness and adjustment for the first year after my amputation. On the surface I appeared well adjusted. I was walking with a prosthesis, returned to work and was living without pain. I felt like I was lying to the world because inside I was struggling to accept my new reality.
It took me quite awhile to realize that my foot, or now the lack of my foot, did not define who I am as a person. I was still Peggy, even though my body looked different.

How did you manage your pregnancy with your prosthetic? How did your family and doctors help you during pregnancy?P: When I became pregnant with my first child I was terrified. I scoured the internet in an attempt to find resources or to connect with other amputees who have dealt with pregnancy. I came up empty, which is why I started my blog. I knew that I had to figure things out and reinvent the wheel. If I could use my experiences to help others, I felt obligated.
Volume fluctuation within my residual limb was frustrating during pregnancy. I had a difficult time obtaining a comfortable fitting socket. The weight gain also put me into a position where I could no longer don my prosthesis independently. My husband had to put my leg on for me before he left for work in the morning because I couldn't bend over to do it myself.

Can you tell us about your most memorable moment of being a mother? P: Most memorable moment of being a mother is a difficult question to answer. The birth of both of my boys are definitely at the top. One doesn't forget those milestones. But I also remember and cherish the smaller victories. Remembering the time I was the only Mom running with the kids on the soccer field, despite having one leg, always makes me smile. I also love the unique perspective and unabashed acceptance that both of my boys demonstrate towards others with disabilities. They have been living around individuals using prosthetics, wheelchairs and other mobility aids for their entire lives.

What day to day challenges do you face as a parent?P: Living an active life with a prosthetic device requires planning. Unfortunately, that is not one of my strengths. If I am going to the park I need to bring my running/ activity leg. If we are going to be in or around water I will need my swim leg. Trying to pre-plan my prosthetic needs is an ongoing struggle.
I also become frustrated when my kids are ostracized by others because of my amputation. They are both often the recipient of stares and hushed comments simply because I am around them. I can deal with the stares, but watching my kids trying to manage the same emotions is difficult.

What kind of activities do you like to do with your kids?P: We are an active family. I love going on bike rides with the kids. We also love going to local parks and zoos. Swimming and playing in the pool ranks among one of our favorite activities.

Who is your inspiration?P: I become cautious whenever somebody starts using the word "inspiration." To me, those who are inspirational are actively trying to use their experience to help others. My podcast partner and dear friend Dave McGill is an inspiration, although he would shudder to learn the compliment.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?P: We belong to a local farm which hosts a variety of playground equipment and activities. I love going there with the kids. They thoroughly enjoy playing and running around, and I love watching and playing with them.

What are your other hobbies?P: I love to write, quilt and bake.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are facing challenges?P: Give your feelings a voice. Negative emotions tend to become toxic when they are not revealed. Find an outlet for your emotions, whether it be a support group, a friend or just journaling.

Any special message for our community?P: The "disability" doesn't define who I am, but it is definitely a part of me. I am a different person since my accident and limb loss, but I love my life. It takes time to adjust to a new reality, but your new life can be as (or even more) fulfilling. Give yourself time and be patient.