Being the Girlfriend – By Jessica J.

I met Tyler watching a husker game at Fox and the Hound. We had been talking for over an hour when he got up to go to the bathroom. It was then that I noticed that he was an amputee. He returned and we continued to talk. We have now been dating for 5 months and it doesn’t come without challenges but I think it comes with a lot less then people commonly think of. I wanted to focus on the positive side of things rather than to focus on the challenges. In meeting Tyler I have been inspired in more ways than I ever thought possible. Sometimes he catches me off guard because I don’t look at Tyler as disabled. I understand that he is an amputee now that I know him it’s obvious that there is no obstacle that he can’t handle. I always joke that he does more with one leg than I do with two. While that comment is funny, it is true. In meeting Tyler he explained to me that his accident is one of the best things that ever happen to him. This accident has forced him to do more things out of his comfort zone and now there is nothing he won’t attempt. I am constantly amazed by him and I am inspired by the obstacles he faces every day. By watching the members of LIM359 I have been able to appreciate the tenacity and motivation they all have.

Tyler and I have faced some challenges in our relationship and one of those challenges involves my profession. I am a nurse and I have an innate sense of caring and helping people. We have really had to have open communication and understanding when it comes to knowing when to help and knowing when help is not needed. I care for people every day and have really had to learn how to not care for him and to focus more on being his partner. He also has had to learn how to take help when needed.  This truly has been a struggle but has really allowed for open communication and in the end a better understanding of each other.

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Learn more about Jessica here.