Columns

Dating, Anxiety, and Believing in Love

True to my word, I joined a dating site this week. And by this week, I mean the day I wrote this column, since I’ve been putting it off all week. But I did it! Which means I can tell my therapist on Tuesday that, yes,…

Why You Should Embrace Your Struggles

In promising to be as open and honest with you at all times, I must preface this column by telling you I find myself in a season of struggle right now. Life as I know it is messy. It’s chaotic and out of balance and, at times, downright ugly. A…

The Freedom of Water

Bathing suits, sunscreen, towels, and water. The key ingredients for some summertime fun. Almost all kids love the water and Ella’s no different. We all know the feeling of floating, yet for Ella it represents a sense of freedom — freedom from the constraints…

On Being Approved for Spinraza

Last week I wrote about the different perspectives within the SMA community toward Spinraza treatment, with a brief summary of where I stood on the issue. As it turns out, the day after that column, my family and I found out that Medicaid had approved…

Dating and Disability – to Be Chosen

I went to therapy this week for the first time in, get this — 14 months. I talked about loneliness; a familiar creature, at least to me. I’ve always felt its dark shadow, heavy and suffocating — even as a seventh-grader, during what…

The Pros and Cons of Traveling in a Wheelchair

I don’t know about you, but this time of the year always has me daydreaming of some sort of tropical getaway complete with life-changing excursions and the ability to immerse oneself in new cultures and traditions. At heart, I’m consumed by wanderlust. I love seeking new adventures and exploring all…

Playing Her Way

Children engage in all kinds of play throughout the day, from quiet play to rambunctious play. Ella is no different, although her terms of engagement can sometimes be different from your typically developing child. When she goes to the park, she races…