Your blog is inspiring and I love the “how to” videos! I’m a 32 year old professional in Wilmington, NC. I was born without a lower right limb and have never let it stop me!
I came across your website after a funny telephone conversation with my dad yesterday. He said he had to go because his feet were cold and he couldn’t put socks on with one hand. Of course, I burst out laughing and asked him why not?! I started thinking about people in my life and their fascination with how I type, tie my shoes, or paint my fingernails. Often, people will just stare at me in amazement while I do these things and I don’t even think twice about it. I always adapt to any situation and make it work. I truly believe it has been a very positive influence on my life, forcing me to become a natural problem solver. My boss has even noticed this ability and approached me about teaching her young left handed daughter how to eat with a spoon because she can’t get the child to hold it correctly.
I figured it all out very early in life-make it easier and make it work. I started walking by 9 months because it was easier for me than crawling. I’m a natural righty but had to learn how to do everything left handed. I mastered the art of cutting with right handed scissors because rarely were there lefty scissors in the classroom. Handwriting was a challenge, due to how my brain wanted me to write versus how my left hand was able to write. I even learned to tie my shoes by the age of three, probably because I was tired of asking for help.
I’ve always wanted to help others living one handed, both children and also adults, that are without a limb and struggle with doing everyday tasks. I never thought about starting a blog but it is a great way to reach out to folks that live in other parts of the country and the world. You have inspired me to share my knowledge and encourage others. Kudos to you Ryan, for being the awesome guy you are!
Hi Lia- My Name is Amy….. I love your story! I was wondering if you would be open to chatting either by email or phone with me. My husband and I just found out that our son will be born without most of his left arm, and am looking to talk with people who were also born that way. I feel who better to talk to right? Please let me know if you would be willing to do this and hopefully look forward to talking with you. Thanks!
Hey Lia! My daughter is 21 months and is also RBE. I love reading your story, especially because I’ve been told that my little one was also born right handed. Would you mind if I send you an email as well?.
And thanks Ryan for your awesome blog. I love your facebook posts as well 🙂
Nice to see I’m not the only one fighting the forced lefty issue. Penmanship is my worst enemy. In high school I’d write notes, when time came to review them, I had no idea what I wrote. Long story short, I didn’t graduate high school. Graduated college though! Thanks to typing lol. Tying your shoes, having people watch you do things, it’s like someone out there is like me! I use to race kids on the bus for candy, at who could tie their shoes fastest. Thanks for commenting, prob not a big deal to you, but made my day.
You should see the odd looks I got when riding my motorcycle. I have no prosthetic, no enhancements on my bike, but a simple wave would bewilder other motorists lol
This blog is awesome, and I am happy that it is here and available to anyone with a limb loss. I was born with a left hand, and limb loss on my right, below my elbow, like Ryan’s only my right hand. My mom used to tell me that as a baby when I started reaching for things I would try first with my right arm but then would try my left hand with success.
It is a life learning experience, from tying your shoes, using scissors made for righties, finding that a prosthetic for me was useless even though growing up I was sent to a rehab center 2 hours away for a few weeks every now and then to learn how to use it. I knew how to use it, I just didn’t want to because I could do more without it so while in the rehab center, I would help others with their disabilities. My motto has always been to never say no to myself and to keep on trying, and after many many years of life I have done it all…..including riding a motorcycle with custom bars and a suicide clutch..haha!
I find the most difficult part of being born “different” or” challenged” is the reaction of other people to those like myself. I have had many rude and stupid remarks thrown my way but I think that this is what has made me stronger through the years. I did some college, but ended up in a great career as an estimator and purchasing agent. I have been blessed with the ability to have my fingers literally fly across a calculator to the amazement of my co-workers and my employers. I learned how to type on an antiquated typewriter from the 1920’s and by the time I got an electric typewriter, my fingers went so fast on the keys that I could not believe it myself….40 words per minute with one hand…not bad!
For all of you out there that have been born with a limb difference, or for those parents that have a child with a limb difference, know this…they can DO anything or BE anything in their lifetime, just love them, give them emotional support and treat them like any other child…they will love you for it.
Hi Ryan, I read your book to my son, Lucas last night at story time. Lucas has right handed paralysis from a stroke when he was born 8 years ago. I wanted to let you know that your book gave me the words to show and explain to Lucas about his differences from his typical peers. I read your wonderful story to Lucas and I nearly cried watching his eyes light up as he came to an understanding that his difference was OK because we are all different. Your book shaped his view about his difference, and now he sees himself differently. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your story with us and other families!
Many, many thanks!
Becky
PS I would love to share a photo of Lucas with your book for you to post on this page. Can I email you it?
What To Tell Your Kid When They Realize They Only Have One Hand | Living One-HandedWhat To Tell Your Kid When They Realize They Only Have One Hand - Living One-Handed
Hey Ryan!
Your blog is inspiring and I love the “how to” videos! I’m a 32 year old professional in Wilmington, NC. I was born without a lower right limb and have never let it stop me!
I came across your website after a funny telephone conversation with my dad yesterday. He said he had to go because his feet were cold and he couldn’t put socks on with one hand. Of course, I burst out laughing and asked him why not?! I started thinking about people in my life and their fascination with how I type, tie my shoes, or paint my fingernails. Often, people will just stare at me in amazement while I do these things and I don’t even think twice about it. I always adapt to any situation and make it work. I truly believe it has been a very positive influence on my life, forcing me to become a natural problem solver. My boss has even noticed this ability and approached me about teaching her young left handed daughter how to eat with a spoon because she can’t get the child to hold it correctly.
I figured it all out very early in life-make it easier and make it work. I started walking by 9 months because it was easier for me than crawling. I’m a natural righty but had to learn how to do everything left handed. I mastered the art of cutting with right handed scissors because rarely were there lefty scissors in the classroom. Handwriting was a challenge, due to how my brain wanted me to write versus how my left hand was able to write. I even learned to tie my shoes by the age of three, probably because I was tired of asking for help.
I’ve always wanted to help others living one handed, both children and also adults, that are without a limb and struggle with doing everyday tasks. I never thought about starting a blog but it is a great way to reach out to folks that live in other parts of the country and the world. You have inspired me to share my knowledge and encourage others. Kudos to you Ryan, for being the awesome guy you are!
Take care,
Lia
Hi Lia- My Name is Amy….. I love your story! I was wondering if you would be open to chatting either by email or phone with me. My husband and I just found out that our son will be born without most of his left arm, and am looking to talk with people who were also born that way. I feel who better to talk to right? Please let me know if you would be willing to do this and hopefully look forward to talking with you. Thanks!
Hi Amy, I would be happy to chat! Feel free to email at liak1213@yahoo.com. 🙂
Hey Lia! My daughter is 21 months and is also RBE. I love reading your story, especially because I’ve been told that my little one was also born right handed. Would you mind if I send you an email as well?.
And thanks Ryan for your awesome blog. I love your facebook posts as well 🙂
Hi Amy!
You are so fortunate to have a wonderful child. I also live without my left arm. I would love to talk about the difficulties and advantages.
Cheers,
Ted tmeyaard@isa.nl
Nice to see I’m not the only one fighting the forced lefty issue. Penmanship is my worst enemy. In high school I’d write notes, when time came to review them, I had no idea what I wrote. Long story short, I didn’t graduate high school. Graduated college though! Thanks to typing lol. Tying your shoes, having people watch you do things, it’s like someone out there is like me! I use to race kids on the bus for candy, at who could tie their shoes fastest. Thanks for commenting, prob not a big deal to you, but made my day.
You should see the odd looks I got when riding my motorcycle. I have no prosthetic, no enhancements on my bike, but a simple wave would bewilder other motorists lol
This blog is awesome, and I am happy that it is here and available to anyone with a limb loss. I was born with a left hand, and limb loss on my right, below my elbow, like Ryan’s only my right hand. My mom used to tell me that as a baby when I started reaching for things I would try first with my right arm but then would try my left hand with success.
It is a life learning experience, from tying your shoes, using scissors made for righties, finding that a prosthetic for me was useless even though growing up I was sent to a rehab center 2 hours away for a few weeks every now and then to learn how to use it. I knew how to use it, I just didn’t want to because I could do more without it so while in the rehab center, I would help others with their disabilities. My motto has always been to never say no to myself and to keep on trying, and after many many years of life I have done it all…..including riding a motorcycle with custom bars and a suicide clutch..haha!
I find the most difficult part of being born “different” or” challenged” is the reaction of other people to those like myself. I have had many rude and stupid remarks thrown my way but I think that this is what has made me stronger through the years. I did some college, but ended up in a great career as an estimator and purchasing agent. I have been blessed with the ability to have my fingers literally fly across a calculator to the amazement of my co-workers and my employers. I learned how to type on an antiquated typewriter from the 1920’s and by the time I got an electric typewriter, my fingers went so fast on the keys that I could not believe it myself….40 words per minute with one hand…not bad!
For all of you out there that have been born with a limb difference, or for those parents that have a child with a limb difference, know this…they can DO anything or BE anything in their lifetime, just love them, give them emotional support and treat them like any other child…they will love you for it.
This is awesome! Thanks, CJ!
Hi Ryan, I read your book to my son, Lucas last night at story time. Lucas has right handed paralysis from a stroke when he was born 8 years ago. I wanted to let you know that your book gave me the words to show and explain to Lucas about his differences from his typical peers. I read your wonderful story to Lucas and I nearly cried watching his eyes light up as he came to an understanding that his difference was OK because we are all different. Your book shaped his view about his difference, and now he sees himself differently. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your story with us and other families!
Many, many thanks!
Becky
PS I would love to share a photo of Lucas with your book for you to post on this page. Can I email you it?