I am now a practicing lawyer, happily married to a fantastic guy, and living a very independent life. My parents and siblings continue to give me invaluable support as well. Naturally, most parents initially turn to appropriate medical professionals who are supposed to know the available tools for giving the child the greatest degree of independence and functionality. All too often, however, members of the medical profession tell parents that the only viable solution for their child is a prosthetic device, without even mentioning other options. Having said this, let me clarify my position on the use of prostheses.
Prostheses are tools.
If they are useful to the person operating them, they should absolutely be used. Moreover, in my opinion, they should not be used solely for cosmetic purposes. While I used my artificial legs in that way for many years, I finally came to the realization that it was not healthy for my psychological well-being. I think it is particularly important that children with limb deficiencies are told they are beautiful just as they are. If non-disabled people don't like to see someone with a limb loss without prostheses, that is their problem they should deal with it.