I was born with what doctors describe as a “mutation of the Sonic Hedgehog Gene.” So not only am I lightning fast, but I was born with another thumb! This thumb is no longer with me, (See: The Great Thumb Chopping of 2002) but a short, stubby, wonky, scar-ridden, (solo) thumb is.

 

Growing up, I have had to learn to come up with creative answers to sometimes hurtful questions. “Why does your thumb look like that?” Answer: I gnaw on it while I sleep. “Where is your other thumb?” Answer: On my key ring. “Do you wish you still had three thumbs?” Answer: No, my mouth isn’t big enough.

 

I have grown from hiding my thumb to giving a thumbs up to the attention it receives, in turn learning to tell people when their comments hurt my feelings (I’m a wuss!).

 

Because I am different, I am acutely aware of others and their differences, but they will never know this. I am careful with my words and actions because I can empathize with insecurities and differences, however big or thumb-like.

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My thumb does not make me uniquely me, but the lessons and skills it has taught me do. I am creative, quick-witted, confident, communicative, empathetic, and aware. And if all other people in the world have these exact traits, then I bet they don’t have my thumb!