A Leg To Stand On

Originally published: New York: Summit Books, 1984.

Mary O'Brien never let the grass grow under her feet, even though she lost both legs at the age of two in a farm accident. As Ireland's first double amputee to be fitted with artficial limbs she soon learned to ride a bicycle and careered off into a full life. Now with colour and humour Mary charts the milestones along the way: Growing up in a large family where her accident was never discussed. Her years as just another of the girls at a convent boarding school. Working as an Occupational Therapist for 30 years through a revolution in mental health care. Meeting and marrying John and raising two sons. Learning to swim and then going on to win Triple Gold at the Disabled Games and Stoke Mandeville. Studying Art, teaching it, and gaining wide recognition as a professional artist. Being awarded an M.B.E. Between these pivotal moments Mary describes all other trials, tribulations and triumphs of a remarkable life. Through it all, she stands tall on the only limbs she has ever known while her warm vivid memories present a unique picture of Ireland since the Second World War. They will inspire readers to constantly reach beyond their limitations and make their mark.

Here the doctor becomes the patient, as Dr. Sacks chronicles the mountaineering accident which left him with the uncanny feeling of being "legless," and raises profound questions of the physical basis of identity. In A Leg To Stand On, it is Dr. Sacks himself who is the patient: an encounter with a bull on a desolate mountain in Norway has left him with a severely damaged leg. But what should be a routine recuperation is actually the beginning of a strange medical journey, when he finds that his leg uncannily no longer feels a part of his body. Sacks's description of his crisis and eventual recovery is not only an illuminating examination of the experience of patienthood and the inner nature of illness and health, but also a fascinating exploration of the physical basis of identity.

Have you undergone a below the knee amputation (BKA) or an above the knee amputation (AKA)? ★ ★ Do you know anyone who has? ★ ★ This book is filled with valuable information, strategies and tips for BKA and AKA amputees, as well as for upper limb amputees, their family members and caregivers. ★ ★ You will gain insight, advice, hope, encouragement, understanding, and a bit of humor from someone who has gone through it. ★ ★ This is a story of challenge and hope - not merely roadblocks or tragedy. ★ ★ You will have "a leg to stand on" - even when life has thrown you a curveball.

Looking for a job is intimidating, especially when significant experience is the main thing a job hunter is lacking. In Getting Your Leg in the Door When You Don't Have a Leg to Stand On, the author, a successful headhunter and job-hunting coach, shares insights and techniques that he learned from working with job hunters at all levels. He presents expert advice, case studies, and strategies for getting the interview, then demonstrating the qualities and skills most likely to convince an employer of one's abilities.

Explores neurological disorders and their effects upon the minds and lives of those affected with an entertaining voice.

A monumentally devastating plague leaves only a few survivors who, while experiencing dreams of a battle between good and evil, move toward an actual confrontation as they migrate to Boulder, Colorado.