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Learning to love a rare part of myself

Marisca tries to learn to appreciate her 'toe thumbs', a genetic trait recognized by thumbs being relatively short and stumpy-looking
mariscas-new-mug-for-sticky-files
The Sticky Files

Growing up I was always self conscious of one body part, but I’m slowly learning to appreciate my difference.

Raising children to love themselves for who they are has made me reevaluate myself. This is silly for me to be ashamed of, it’s not that big of a deal but I have Brachydactyly type D, also known as short thumb, stub thumb, or clubbed thumb.

It is a genetic trait clinically recognized by a thumb being relatively short and stumpy looking.

My dad has them, and so does my cousin. But I’ve always hated them. Especially when it was trendy on social media to take a selfie while holding up your glass of wine or cup of coffee with a beautiful view in the background.

I could never do it because my thumb would stick out… like a sore thumb. 

I once got a manicure and the lady doing my nails didn’t know what to do when she saw my thumbs. She lifted my hands and pointed to my thumbs to her coworkers and spoke in a language I didn’t know.

But I understood. She was making fun of my thumbs and probably asking what she should do with them.

But I should feel special. It is rare. And I’ve just recently learned that my thumbs are historically thought of as a sign of royalty.

This rare condition was much more common in royal European bloodlines than in the general population and was used as a factor in determining the pureness of the blood.

It only affects approximately two per cent of the population. But celebrities who have it include Megan Fox and Leighton Meester. Two beautiful women who flaunt their unusual thumbs. I am in good company.

I have also discovered recently there is surgery to fix it. It includes osteotomy (cutting bone to realign or reshape it) and bone grafting to lengthen and reshape the short thumb.

That seems unnecessary and very intense. There isn’t anything unhealthy or risky about this condition.

So I think from now on I’ll be proud of them. Learn to love them and stop being afraid of what other people think when I give a thumbs up.



Marisca Bakker

About the Author: Marisca Bakker

Marisca was born and raised in Ontario and moved to Smithers almost ten years ago on a one-year contract.
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