This week, I had the privilege of listening to my dear friend Kara share her story. When I first met Kara, I knew she was something special, but as I got to know her I realized just what an inedible woman she was. It didn’t take me long to notice that her one leg didn’t look like the other. As a matter of fact, her leg was not her leg at all, it was a prosthetic. I was fascinated by this positive, vivacious, happy woman who seemed to everything but a leg. Before I knew her story, I knew if I was in her position I might I have a hard time seeing the good in something that seems so terrible.
When Kara was younger, she went on a motorcycle ride with her dad. As I listened to her share her story about the accident, hearing her talk about her bone protruding from her leg and imagining the scene; I felt I would be anything but grateful. But there she sat, in front of a group of teens sharing her story with a smile on her face, laughing off all that had happened. She continued from the accident and talked about making the decision as a young teen to amputate her leg, and there I sat in awe of the lighthearted attitude and the gratitude for life she had. She talked about how that event saved her and made her into the woman she is today. All I could hear was positivity and all I could think was, “but she lost her leg!!!”
I find my heart challenged by those who have gone without yet find joy in what they lost. As a runner I value my legs. I need my legs. I WANT my legs. But what if I lost my legs? I wonder if I would have an attitude of gratefulness or a heart of bitterness? In a world full of so much negativity and so much hurt, I find myself challenged to make a dent in the world of bitterness. Even in the midst of trials, I challenge you to see the good. Kara is not only impacting her own life with an amazing outlook, but she is challenging others as well. Today I want you to share the beauty of flowers with someone who has shown you beauty. Thank you Kara for challenging my heart to see the good in something that seems so bad.
Hi Kelly! Thank you for the wonderful story about Kara. Kara’s is my niece and I have to tell you that I have never heard her say the words ” why me?” or “poor me”. Her loss has never slowed her down, even during the weeks she spent at Children’s hospital, she was still our darling Kara.
I know she has had many challenges of which she has met head on with grace and maturity. It is so nice to know that others see Kara’s beauty as her family does. Thanks again!! Kara’s Aunt Cindi