Dear Sir, - In recent numbers of "London Life" I have noticed letters from one-legged girls, and perhaps my own experience may be of interest.
I lost my left leg about 6 inches above the knee when a girl seven years old, and, as my parents were poor, kind friends got me into a crippled girls' home. There I met two other girls of my own age who were also minus a leg. I suppose our common misfortune drew us together, for we became great friends, and still remain so, although we have now left the home and are earning our own living.
I will remember the interest we three girls excited as we hopped along on our crutches with only three legs between us. Nettie, the eldest, had her leg off at about the same place as I have, and was extraordinarily clever an her crutches. Elsie was amputated close to the hip.
Hopping races without crutches was a favourite game, everyone who fell down being disqualified. We were not in the least sensitive at our one-legged condition. In fact I think we rather enjoyed being different to other girls.
I remember we three once gave a gym display which brought the house down by a final display of leap-frog.
After I left this home and was about 17 I wore a pin leg, a great source of amusement to my two friends, who would try to catch hold on my wooden stump and put me helpless on the floor. It was very inconvenient, however, and the constant thud of its rubber tip used to worry me so that I discarded it except for housework.
I noticed a letter some time ago from a girl asking where she could get smart crutches and silk stump socks. Any artificial limb maker will get these made to measure. I have a pair of white silver crutches far evening, and several silk stump socks. Pin legs can be had with a locking knee joint for above knee amputations, though I have never seen!
Now, Mr. Editor, why will not some of your one-legged correspondents send some photos of themselves, either an crutches or with pin legs? I would send mine if someone will start, if they are afraid of being identified it is quite easy to conceal the face. What about the one-legged boys, too? Between us we would make a very interesting party.
Yours truly,
Edith