“I’m Amputating You”
Frida Kahlo is one of the most incredible female painters in history. She suffered with polio as well as a serious accident as a teenager that put her in a wheelchair. On top of that, her marriage to artist Diego Rivera was never easy. In this letter, just one year before her death, Frida is about to have her leg amputated due to a gangrene infection. She uses this as an opportunity to break up with Diego.
“1953
My dear Mr. Diego,
I’m writing this letter from a hospital room before I am admitted into the operating theater. When they told me it would be necessary to amputate, the news didn’t affect me the way everybody expected. I am not afraid of pain and you know it. It is almost inherent to my being. Although I confess that I suffered, and a great deal, when you cheated on me. Not just with my sister but with so many other women. Let’s not fool ourselves, Diego, I gave you everything that is humanly possible to offer and we both know that. But still, how the hell do you manage to seduce so many women when you’re such an ugly son of a bitch?
The reason why I’m writing is not to accuse you of anything more. It’s because I’m having a leg cut off. It’s not my intention to make you or anyone else feel pity. I’m writing to let you know I’m releasing you, I’m amputating you. Be happy and never seek me again. I don’t want to hear from you. If there is anything I’d enjoy before I die, it’d be not having to see your fucking horrible bastard face wandering around my garden.
That is all, I can now go to be chopped up in peace.
Your Frida”