My Reinvention personal project is about women who reinvent themselves midlife.  Becoming a photographer in my 30s completely changed my life…and I think sometimes you don’t know what you should be doing until 30/40/50.  Some of my subjects have made similar decisions, actively pursuing their dreams…some have had to change by necessity or new circumstance.  We did a photo shoot for Marie Claire magazine with Heather Abbott last year at her Newport home and I immediately felt she was a great inspiration and a great fit for the project which I hope inspires women to believe in themselves and take action.

It’s almost been two years since the bombing at the Boston Marathon.  Heather Abbott was watching the marathon with friends, and the second blast hit her lower left leg.  Injuries were so bad she had to have the lower leg amputated.

Heather’s such a nice, upbeat person–and she’s been a huge inspiration to others in a role that’s redefined her life.  She’s grown The Heather Abbott foundation to support fellow amputees pay for their medical costs and live life to the fullest.  Many people don’t realize the high costs that amputees face.  Please visit her website and consider donating:  www.heatherabbottfoundation.org.

As part of the Reinvention project, we asked Heather some questions about her experience and life.  Wonderful, thoughtful answers–thanks so much Heather!!

What have you learned about yourself since the bombing?

A lot.  I’ve learned that I’m more resilient than I ever imagined that I could be.  I’ve learned which people I can count on and really value in my life.  I’ve been amazed at how many people I’ve met who have chosen careers that provide physical or emotional help to others, rather than focusing on contributing to Corporate America and making money.  And I’ve learned to become a much more compassionate and understanding person, especially as it relates to dealing with people with disabilities.  I’ve also learned that shoes and clothes and hair and make up are still important to me, amputee or not 🙂

How did all this change your feelings about your life’s purpose?

How is your rehab going?

Any formal rehab is pretty much finished at this point.  I haven’t visited the PT regularly in quite a while, however I do still take advantage of certain workshops to improve my gait and/or running skills.  At this point, I’m still learning to navigate through everyday life and unexpected circumstances as an amputee.  Snow and ice are always a challenge and trying to integrate some of the physical activities that I enjoyed with two legs has been …interesting… to learn to do with one (yoga, for example).  It was really only after completing most of my physical rehab that I’ve begun to deal with the emotional part.  Understanding that my life will really never be the same, that an actual person did this to me on purpose and that I’m part of the American population that’s considered “handicapped” really didn’t hit me until about a year after the bombing.  So, that type of rehab is ongoing and I’m learning to deal and live with those aspects as time goes on.