Who knew the differences between two people could be why they met and became so close? But, it is true that when we need someone to hold us together, it is the time destiny brings new people into our lives, and permanent ones. This is the heartwarming story of Sarah and Shelly, two superwomen with the same disabilities, but when they met, no one had seen a more powerful duo.
Sarah and Shelly were both born with limb differences and right now, after a long journey of first suffering alone and then holding each other together, they are not just best friends but soul sisters. Looking at their stories individually first.
A beautiful baby girl was born three days before Christmas back in 1987. The parents named her Sarah.
She only had one thumb on her right hand, as by birth, she had amniotic birth syndrome. Although the family was happy, it was challenging for them. However, she was blessed with a fantastic family; they did not care about the illness and gave her all the love and support. Being a smart baby, Sarah was always ahead of other children and learned all skills, from tying her shoelaces to riding a bicycle, all by herself. Although in the case of her disorder, prosthetics were an option, unfortunately, they weren’t a great fit and were only a hurdle in her life; thus, she continued to live her life and managed every little problem on her own. In an interview, she said her motto in life is “If you do not like me because of my hands, your loss.’ Her strength can be measured by how she managed her friendships, learned new skills, and embraced motherhood.
About Shelly, it took her years and many painful days to accept the limb difference. Self-acceptance is not as easy as it looks, especially when you are not aware of how to put the pain you’re going through into words. Her childhood traumatized her as she laughed at her, and people called her hurtful names. She was a person who was never included in anything around her, and so the feeling of loneliness kept affecting her emotionally and mentally. The way people looked at her made her feel uncomfortable, so she also developed a habit of hiding the affected arm, even if it was forty degrees outside.
At all costs, she wanted people not to notice the missing limb. With all the problems that lasted forever, things worsened when her son was born. He had a rare eye condition. Although she did not do much to heal herself in her teenage years and adulthood, she knew she had to do something for her son! She has to teach him the art of acceptance so he doesn’t go through the feelings she had spent her life with. Thus, after the birth of her son, Shelly started to gain acceptance and confidence, and she realized that her disability was never a problem. It was the fear that kept her away from happiness.
When fate had written the meeting of two souls, nothing could prevent it, and so was the case for Sarah and Shelly. In 2016, Shelly posted something in a group with mainly members suffering from the same syndrome, and Sarah saw her post.
An instant connection was felt.
From the first text to the hours-long phone calls, it did not take long for them to bond, and the bond was beautiful. It was like finding a home after years of loneliness. They used to share their emotions, how life had treated them, and how both wanted to live life to the fullest. After two years, Sarah flew across the globe to meet Shelly, further strengthening the friendship.
By sharing their stories, these amazing women want to be a light of hope and inspiration for people. Differences are meant to be cherished, not to isolate yourself. The limb difference came to them as the most beautiful start of a friendship.
Some things are just meant to happen!
