Dear Sir, - I am 22 years of age, and I have been one-legged all my life. I was born minus my right leg. Through my one-leggedness being congenital, a crutch has become quite natural to me, an I can get about quite as easily as any ordinary girl, on my one and only leg.
According to letters I have read in "London Life" from time to time, I think I am rather different in several respects to the majority of the one-legged correspondents.
Firstly, I am a big girl, standing 5 feet 9 inches, and turning the scales at just over 12 stones.
Secondly, I am a congenital one-legged girl.
I was told by an artificial limb maker that it would be very difficult and uncomfortable for me to wear an artificial leg; but I have no thought of doing so.
I am staying with some friends of my parents (who are now dead), and they have a delightful place in the country. I am taking lessons in golf at the club near by. I have a private income left me by my parents, and I run a small car.
A few weeks ago, when I was driving home from the Golf Club, my car conked out, and there was poor me hopping on my one leg, first from the engine to the starting handle, trying to swing her over, when a most charming young man in plus-fours jumped from a car which had just pulled up and, smiling, asked me if he could help me.
I thanked him, and while he was looking for the trouble I hopped on my tired leg and sat down on the running board and had a quiet smoke. He soon got the engine running, and as we had a smoke together we had a nice long talk. He seemed more than interested in my one-leggedness, and was most surprised when I told him I was born as I was.
It appeared that he was on his way to where I was staying for a week-end visit, so we drove close together. We had a charming week-end and, and needless to say, Pat (that's his name) and myself had a most glorious time together, going for quite long walks in the fields and lanes. It rather surprised him to see that I can get about as I do with only one leg.
Since he left we have corresponded with one another, and I have arranged to spend a few weeks with his parents when my visit to my friends terminates. He is a partner in an engineering firm, and seems to have plenty of leisure, as he has run down several times to see me in the last week or two. I must admit that I am more than fond of him.
When I am at his parents house I will write and let you know how our friendship develops. In the meantime, I wish "London Life" a happy and wonderful year.
Yours truly,
One-Legged Dorothy.