A New Friend

I made a new friend today. And not just on Facebook, though that's how it came to be. Ian is his name, and he's an amputee. He found me through a common Facebook group, and I am so glad he did because his story gave me JUST the encouragement I needed today. That ever happened to you? You run into an old friend who puts your own troubles into perspective? Or motivates you to get back to the gym or to church?

The funny part was the messages that went back and forth between the two of us. 

"So, not to be crass, but, do you have hands?"

"Nope. You?"

"Well, sort of. They are pretty messed up."

(This was definitely not a conversation you'd see on Ashley Madison.)

"Hey, I hear you have a foot? How's that working out for you?"

"Ha ha." (Wait, maybe he's serious) 

"They talked about saving my foot but decided against it." (Oh, yup, he was just curious)

The conversation went on. And it was great to talk to someone who understood. He is a few years ahead of me in his recovery from sepsis. He wins in the hands department. But I have more feet. And I have more kids. I win! 

I talk to people in the amputee community that live all over the country, one even in Panama. And I hang out with amputees around Charlotte too. They have quickly become my family. And I don't know what I'd do without them. They teach me, encourage me, support me. They amaze me. I know these bonds will only grow stronger as I delve deeper into my amputee life. 

"It was great talking to you."

"Yeah, Thanks for friending me! I'll look into that new leg you were telling me about. We'll talk soon. Gotta run! (Not literally, of course 😜)"

Welcome To My Blog!

Welcome to my blog! My name is Kristan Seaford, and I am a motivational and faith-building speaker, writer, and blogger. I have an interesting, fulfilling, fun, but physically difficult life. I live in Charlotte, NC and have lived here for most of my life. 

I am still recovering from a pretty catastrophic illness, which began in November of 2013. What started out as the flu and strep throat turned into a life-threatening condition called septic shock. An infection in my blood caused my organs to fail, one after another.

After 100 days, a medically-induced coma, six hospitals, and a miracle, I survived. However, the powerful medications and treatments that saved my organs took the blood, oxygen, and nutrients from my limbs. My hands and feet essentially died.

Today I live as a triple amputee, with my remaining foot missing the toes and part of my heel. I am learning to use amazing prosthetics, which are helping me live a fairly "normal" life.  I am able to parent my five children - driving them to their various activities, signing their reading logs, volunteering at their schools, and potty-training the little one. I have even been able to return to teaching group exercise classes at the local YMCA.  

On this blog, I am seeking to chronicle my daily life, educate people about amputations and prosthetics, make people think, and laugh and cry, help people appreciate their gifts, prove to people that those with disabilities can do anything that abled people can, and motivate people of all abilities to reach for their dreams. Here goes!