Patty Withrow is a charming lady living in an enchanting, stately home in Oklahoma. The multi-talented woman plays the piano and sings. She is vibrant and active. You would never know it, but this diminutive lady is an amputee.
"Learning how to adapt is so important," Patty says. "Everything in life requires it." At age 15, she learned she was diabetic and had to adapt her life around the disease. "My father always said, 'It doesn't matter what happens to you but how you handle it.' Adapting is what life is all about."
While she was in the hospital following a heart attack, a wound on her foot became infected resulting in her right leg being amputated below the knee. At age 61, she had to adapt again – learning to drive and work the piano pedals with her left foot.
Today Patty's musical gifts are used in church as she leads the Cherub Choir at her church. She treasures this time with the children and the sanctuary is packed when they sing during church services. "The children never even knew I wore a prosthesis until I had to attend church once in my wheelchair. Because of me, they have learned about amputation and prosthetics. For Thanksgiving, we talk about everything we are thankful for and we all say we are thankful for Scott Sabolich Prosthetics and Research for making my leg."
Not much holds Patty back. She is very active with her family, in women's groups, her music, her church and her crafts. Her gardens show the loving care she lavishes there. "I'll continue to adapt to life's challenges," she adds. "And life is good."