Marine Veteran Kirstie Ennis: Life After A Leg Amputation | Cosmopolitan
Вставка
- Опубліковано 21 сер 2024
- This Cosmopolitan.com original documentary follows 25-year-old Marine veteran Kirstie Ennis as she navigates life after losing her leg while on duty in Afghanistan.
SUBSCRIBE to Cosmopolitan: bit.ly/SUBSCRIB...
Cosmopolitan is the best-selling young women's magazine in the U.S., a bible for fun, fearless females that reaches more than 18 million readers a month. We deliver the latest news on men and love, sex, fashion and beauty, women's health and self-improvement, and entertainment.
Cosmopolitan Official Site: Cosmopolitan.com
Cosmopolitan on FACEBOOK: bit.ly/CosmoFB
Cosmopolitan on TWITTER: bit.ly/CosmoTwi...
Cosmopolitan on GOOGLE+: bit.ly/CosmoGoogle
Cosmopolitan on PINTEREST: bit.ly/CosmoPins
Cosmopolitan on INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/CosmoInsta
To every veteran who thinks their life is over because of limb loss: I lost my leg about a week after my 3rd birthday. I have no memory of the emotional trauma of losing a leg and wondering what my life would be like after my leg was gone so I can't say I know what you are going through. I can at least tell you what you face.
Growing up I played with friends and ran around as much as any other kid. I couldn't run as fast as any of my friends but other than that I have never found myself unable to do what the others could do. I climbed trees, played baseball, rode bikes and got into plenty of trouble. I was the slowest runner, but SOMEBODY is always slowest.
As I grew into an adult I started hiking. Not once have I have had a hike I couldn't do. In the mid 1990's (I was in my mid 20's) I hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back in one day. This hike is so brutal, so many people have tried and failed sparking an expensive rescue, that the National Park Service outlawed the hike. Many of those rescued were experienced hikers in good physical condition and two health legs. I didn't fail. It hurt, sure, but I completed a hike many people with two legs failed to complete.
Frankly you are only as disabled as you think you are. This isn't some hippy-dippy new age bullshit designed to make you feel better. It is literally true. When I started taking classes at the local community collage I had to buy a rather expensive parking permit. The person who was working the counter where the permits were sold told me I didn't need one because I was disabled. My handicap parking pass would let me park there for free.
My first reaction was to say I wasn't disabled. I didn't even have a handicap parking pass! I never even thought to apply for one. As I had never encountered anything that was impossible due to my missing leg I never felt disabled at all. Now I consider myself "disabled" only in the legal sense. I am not PHYSICALLY disabled.
The only thing I have ever found to be impossible because of my missing leg was enlisting in the military.
What you are facing is life changing, but it isn't life ending. You will need to learn new ways of getting shit done, but you WILL get it done. It will be a tough road, but only for a little while. You will soon find out being an amputee is not nearly as bad as you imagine. Don't give up. Fight to learn what you need to learn. It's worth it.
Eric Taylor very inspiring and great words!
***** I just hope it can give hope to some solder wonder how they ended up short on limbs.
Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of hope. I hope I have provided it.
Eric Taylor I am sure you did - your own story is very inspiring and amazing. thank you for sharing it!
***** It's a pleasure.
Eric Taylor I love you story that inspired me.! ♥️
What a remarkable and beautiful young woman. Thank you for your service , from a Vietnam vet.
She's so beautiful inside and outside
So proud of you, as a new amputee, I understand the emotions
I lost my right leg above the knee at 18 years old in 1977. At the time I felt I needed to be so strong to deal with it. However, I have learned since that true strength is not at all what I had thought. Kirstie, I want to thank you. For your service and for you sharing this. When you were first fitted and walking in the parallel bars you stood there and cried. I remember when I was there and I wanted to cry but thought I couldn't or I would not be strong enough to make it. I wish I had been strong enough at that time to cry but it came later. You show true strength and yes, you are very beautiful!
I am in awe of this amazing veteran. I salute you!
Jocko Podcast. Kirstie is amazing, a real warrior.
Just watched your speech as you got the award and was blown away by you. When you speak there is only light... and we see nothing but perfection! Thank you for your sacrifice!
You are beautiful!!!!!!!!!!
I don't know how I stumbled on this video but I can not thank her enough! For your service but above all for your being so brave! I am not a service member but I'm in grave danger of loosing a leg myself due to numerous infections. This video made me cry from the title alone bc I knew it had to be about amputation. Please keep your head up! You are a great role model! I could go on, but what I really wanna say is thank you!
rockabillycountry that so right. life is never easy and it has so many bumpy roads and opcicals
rockabillycountry I
her service was to war profiteers not to you bozo
All the best and good luck to you
THANK YOU! for your service and being in an inspiration to ALL amputees!
Thank you for all that you do and all that you put into our country!
Stop perpetuating this myth. The Taliban won. This woman lost her leg for *no reason*.
extremely inspiring. thank you
Thank you for serving our country and for everything you do. God bless.
Thank you for serving our country . Never forgotten .
Thank you veteran's! Most of us have nothing to complain about..... Look at this awsome women who served our country.
THANK YOU SO MUCH MAM!
this video makes me realize that we are so much more than the extend of capabilities of our bodies, this touched me on a spiritual level, thank you Kirstie for sharing this story with us my hero, much love from Holland
Salute to you fellow veteran.
James Scott thank you for your service
James Scott salute to the Afghanistan people too you are a Gentleman soilder the afghans with basic out dated guns and bullets nothing else no planes no tanks pushed away the Soviet and now the United States I am a American but I think invading iraq & Afghanistan was the wars of and for the elites to get richer.
Alex Thanks for being sane I wish everyone in the world was as balance minded as you.
HERO...Thank you for your service🇺🇸
Just makes us two legged realize how lucky we are and we must be content on what we have.
Shadow Back Yes I totaly agree with you. I ran a lot before my injury. 4 months ago I break my tibia plateau, its like breaking your knee. So I had to relearn everything again, how to walk and how to climb stairs etc. I am still in the process and my doctors told me there is a high chance I get post traumatic athrosis. There is also a big chance I will never run again. But in my neigbourhood is a man and he is an amputee and he runs. Thats why I know I will be able to run also. If he could make it, so can I. I am very, very glad I have still two feets, even I can't feel the right one so good after surgery and maybe don't feel it at all after the second one. But I still have it and it works great. So I am very, very thankfull for that.
Here coz Jocko mentioned this documentary! 💯
Amazing, incredible, inspirational - words cannot describe your courage and bravery.
what a shame...they couldn't amputate her right the first time and made her go through the whole process again; the grief, the pain, the agony. She's a tough woman
This is the most beautiful video ever. Thank you Kirstie for sharing your story and inspiring so many others. Thank you cosmo for sharing this documentary; we need more stories like this to remind everyone how precious life is and to enjoy it.
No idea why this showed up in my feed, but I am glad. You are amazing.
Kirstie Ennis, respect to you.
I live with chronic pain that greatly impacts my walking (and thus life), however, humans have this wonderful capacity for changing and coping. It's not easy, but it's achievable.
She’s a beautiful strong woman! Proud to call her a fellow marine!
Thank you for your service and sharing your journey with everyone.
Ashley Taylor service to who?
The country? The democracy?
All she served is accomplish the agenda of the elite.
Americans people are expandable for zionism objectives.
Wake up.
Bravery comes at high price, yet such individuals would not have any other way.
Ms. Ennis, thank you so much for your service and bravery.
Kirstie!!!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!! Stay strong! You inspire me!!!!!
You are a brave girl! I admire your tenacity. Prayers for speedy recovery and development.
Thank you for your service Kristie.
thank you...I can't express enough gratitude for what you and many other veterans and current service members sacrifice for all of us thank you and your family..God bless you all God bless America!!
I saw this many months ago, and was very moved by the stories of other Marines. 2 weeks ago, my brother-in-law lost his right leg below the knee in a motorcycle crash. He is still in danger of infection as he heals, and his knee is very susceptible. I don't even know if I could share your story with him right now. His son, my nephew, is also an Afghanistan combat Marine veteran. Thanks for sharing your story with us, Always Faithful.
Kirstie.
I´m Colombia Marine officer and after 31 years on duty I share your emotions.
Thanks for your service, very few people understand our motivation when we go on the battle field, but when we return, everyone understands that we were defending the freedom of a Nation. for that reason the feeling of a warrior does not understand it but a warrior. "Marine for a day is a marine for life"
Luis M.
Thank You also for keeping us safe.
Keeping us "safe"?? From Iraqis who were about to invade the US?? this should never have happened , poor lady got sucked in ...
I LOVE HER AND WISH HER A LIFETIME OF HAPPINESS THANK YOU KIRSTIE FOR TELLING THE WORLD YOUR STORY AND I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR GREAT COUNTRY!
Thank you, you are such a strong person. I had my foot amputated last month.
You rock...amazing story. You're a fighter that never gave up.
Thank you for your service. You are a very beautiful young woman both inside and out. Legs don't make the lady...although our society acts as if outward looks are everything. Despite your loss of a leg, you have a beautiful face, a beautiful voice, a beautiful mind and a beautiful spirit. No one can take away the beautiful attitude that you have above all my friend. I am honored to have watched your story and may God bless you and your family!!!
Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Stay strong. You are worth it! -A fellow vet.
My situation is a little different. I was born with a genetic disorder called neurofibramatosis. Thousands of fibromas have grown in my left calf and there's no telling if they'll grow again one day and one of the options presented by doctors is amputation. If Kirstie can be strong enough to pull through, then so can I.
Kat Smith you can ❤️
hey i can pray for you
Wow! What a life changing story! I really needed to see this.
Thank you so much for your service!!! You are a fighter!!!! You make it all look so easy and trust me , I know first hand how hard it is !! The same year , 2012, January, I woke up from a 6 week coma with my right leg amputated above the knee!! Life as I knew it would never be the same!!! I also have severe neuropathy in my remaining leg so walking is a challenge!!! I’m so proud of you , and you are an inspiration to millions!! 👍👍👍👍❤️❤️👍❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️
Semper Fi! Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. And you're flat-out gorgeous as well!
First of all...,.. thank you soooooooo much for serving for our country/my family!!!! I will always be grateful for your sacrifice! Much love and Aloha always!!! I have family and friends that are serving in all branch. You will always be in mine and my families hearts!
Amazing story , she's inspiration for many of us
Thank you Jocko for introducing us to this amazing woman! Semper Fi!
It amazes me how special our service men and women are.
God Bless YOU girl! You're doing well on your leg. I'm an above the knee amputee and if I can offer some advice wrt: stairs. They saying is "Up with the good, down with the bad".
When going up a flight of stairs, step up with your good leg first and then bring your C leg. When going down, step down with the C leg and then your good leg to follow.
Keep going Marine!
Hi, my name's Julio Martinez, and I'm from Corpus Christi, TX., and I just want to say that, even though I don't know you, I just want to say, thank you for your service. Once a Marine in the United States Armed Forces, always a Marine. Losing a entire leg doe NOT determine of who and what you are. Character does. Having a good attitude certainly does. (imagine if Kristie didn't have.a positive attitude?). And more importantly, having the will to live. Live and let live, by any means necessary. Or by what you can do. And be comfortable of who you are,before and after the amputation. If that were me, and I didn't have a strong will to live, I wouldn't be as strong as she had been. It's never easy, but if you believe and love yourself first, you'd make it through life, no matter what. Not being strong enough to have the will to live,after a major amputation, weeks and months in the hospital, having to endure many obstacles, and not having people care about you, is worse. Loneliness is much worse. You got to be strong. And keep being strong.
I thank them for their service God bless yall
thank you Kirstie Ennis
I also want to say to your mom and your family.....You did a good job mom. support is so important when your family has to coop with such a tragedy . Respect for all of you. regards. Bert de Vries, Hillegom Netherlands
You’re a beautiful person and I wish I knew you in person. I went through the same thing. 2 amputations. Septic. 23 surgeries. Coma. Keep up the fight! Always move forward! Get some!
i can help you
What a brave person you are. God speed to you and may he bless you. Thank you for your service to our country.
This is a story about a courageous Marine, a person who have given more than most of us think that we're given. But I'm a Marine and Marines are always thinking about helping people, no matter what color, no matter where in the world and she is a living testament of what people can overcome. I've never met her but I can feel the love and determination that she had while serving and helping the people in Afghanistan. This is a story of God and love. May you be blessed and your soul have eternal joy, my friend.
You rock girl....thank you for being you it helps us be who we are more than you know
You ARE beautiful!!! I didn’t notice the scar on your face until you showed the picture, I am so happy for you that you have made it this far!!! Keep on trucking!!!
Thank you for your service god bless
Thank you for serving our great Nation.
Semper Fi...Great Inspiration....
I've had the same thing happen to me...btk first then infection and I had to have a atk except you lost yours quite differently than me at a much younger age as I was 52 when I lost mine 2 years ago....I thank you for your service and sacrifice and I have a million things I want to talk to you about but not enough space here to do it...all I can say is keep positive and keep going...I struggle everyday but im here and so are you and be thankful for that. If you ever want a friend that has the same issues to talk to I'll be glad to.
Thank you for your Service!!! You are a courageous Woman!!!
Good for you. At 66 years, It's hard, but bless us both. In tears and fortitude...
Incredible story !! Fellow left AK here and thanks for inspiring
YOU MY DEAR ARE A SHINNING STAR IN THIS UNIVERSE . GOD BLESS YOU
This video is honestly heart warming....everything you've said is so true and just speaks to me soooo much!! Respect! X 💚👑
I’m 31 years old. I’ve dealt with my left foot basically being useless my entire life and I wear a brace which helps me walk. I can get around without it and for the most part I’m not limited. But my foot is deformed and constantly develops sores. I’ve had multiple problems with it that keep me off my feet for weeks at a time to allow things to heal and it’s taking so much of my life away. Especially the time I have playing with my kids while they’re young. I’ve dealt with this for so long and I think I want to experience what life is like without this problem. I’m scared about the unknowns if I have my foot amputated. At least I know this pain, and how to deal with this now. But my quality of life is dwindling as I get older. I just want to be able to chase my kids around the yard still, and play golf. And not worry about all these problems with my foot
your service is appreciated to your country.
My cousin lost both of his legs in Afghanistan 2004. He hanged himself in his hospital bed. He was a purple heart and silver star . RIP " skibee."
Thank you for serving!
Freaking rahhh
Thank you sis for putting this video up. I have watched over and over.
I have had 30 surgeries on my right leg, only to have infection over take it. I needed to see this video!
Amazing. Thank you for sharing. This def puts life in perspective. you are a brave young lady!
Thank you so much for serving our country and the sacrifices you have made to protect it!
Was your boyfriend in the service also? I noticed [and they ignored it in the video] that he had a false arm and I think some fingers missing. If that is so, thank him also for his service!
Thank you for your service.
Thank you for your service. You’re an inspiration to all recovering veterans. Semper Fi Marine
Hi my name is Bert de Vries from the Netherlands. I think you are a massive brave woman. I lost my foot when I was 21 years old. This was because of an major accident when I was 6 years old. I know how it felt when my foot was cut of. Strange feelings because of my missing limp and the feelings that it is still there. I am 52 years old now. and still thinking about the things I have done in all those years. Driving a bike honda Goldwing 1000cc. Get my lorry licence with no problems. I think You manage in life well but if you ever need to talk with someone who knows what it is, living as an amputee, please don`t hesitate
What a Gal! My hero! God bless her!
my mom was a medic in the military and some of the stories she has told me is pretty awful :/.. I'm glad that you recovered :)
First of all Semper Fi and second of all thanks for your service and last of all my brother is in the marines
what an inspiration you are . thank you .
This woman is my hero.
Wow, this is inspirational Blessings to you and your family.
What a beautiful strong woman. Keep going towards your goals Kirstie :)
Respect sister.
As a veteran.
I know what chronic pain.
But they can't cut mine out.
It's in my lung.
Stay strong.
I will.
hey i can help you
u r very brave girl, it must be very hard for you, i wish u love and happiness
Outstanding
What a amazing woman..
much respect Miss Ennis....
All respect and love to American Veterans.
U very beautiful woman. Thank u for service are country for us keep yr head up god bless u
you my friend are an amazing human being
Inspiration. Thank you.
Can’t even imagine the overwhelming pain
I'm an AKA and, indeed, it's not the same when they take your leg above the knee. It's more difficult to walk with the prosthetic but doable.
🕊Bless 👑Kirstie Ennis💐❤.
She's beautiful ❤️
saludos yo tambien perdi la misma pierna y fue mui dificil para mi seguir adelante y mui triste saludos de san luis Potosí mexico
att fabian
After a head-on collision in 2004, I choose to amputate my right foot. No regrets, just pain.