SMA Is Contributing to My Gender Crisis
I am giddy with excitement. Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” plays on my iPhone as I begin writing a column about that album and its effect on my life. I know exactly what I want to say, how its structure will…
Columns
Thanks to the COVID-19 Vaccine, I Was Reunited With an Old Friend
Content warning: The following contains a mention of suicide. If you know me at all, you know that I love Target. I’m not proud of it. If anything, I’m this close to canceling my RedCard and Shipt membership. But I can’t deny my years-long obsession with the retail store identified…
As More People Are Vaccinated, I’m Sticking With My Routine at Home
As COVID-19 vaccinations continue here in the U.S., I’m noticing that more people are venturing back out into the world and returning to a “new normal.” While I’m glad to see that we’re taking some steps in the right direction, I’m not in a hurry to get back to my…
I’m Remembering to Prioritize My Mental Health
During the height of the pandemic last year, a steady influx of people often reached out to me to check on my health. It was quite admirable. Friends, family members, and even people I had lost touch with would call or text for status updates, and I truly felt more…
Opening the Borders of My Heart to Unique Friendships and New Strategies
Have you ever noticed that people are similar to countries, and vice versa? Everyone has their own exports (products or services we produce) and imports (products or services we buy, such as food). Two or more individuals can become like allied nations when a friendship forms and they begin to…
With a Little Help From … Wherever We Can Get It
My 3-year-old grandson, James, adores his MomMom (me!) and treats me like royalty. He gently places a pillow behind my back on the couch and insists on propping up the footrest before covering me with a blanket so I’ll be cozy. He makes sure I’m fed well and…
Help, My Caregiver’s Car Caught on Fire!
My life is a sitcom. Recently, I was chatting with my friend Young, a columnist for Charcot-Marie-Tooth News, about our writing processes. He was rather amazed when I told him that I rarely plan column topics. In my life, it’s never…
SMA Complicates Everything — Even Hygiene and Skin Care
I spent the majority of high school — and middle school, and undergrad, for that matter — stressed about my skin. I’ve written about it several times, from my cystic acne saga to the wonders of Accutane (isotretinoin). I guess you could say I’m making up for those long years…
Like the Legendary Peter Jackson, I Stay True to Myself
Peter Jackson, the New Zealand filmmaker who spearheaded “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and the 2005 remake of “King Kong,” is known for being a bit of a maverick. Even after acquiring commercial and critical success for…
Climbing Out of That Which Resembles the Grave, but Isn’t
I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure what to write about. To the point where I briefly considered skipping this week’s column. I try not to, because I’m an overachiever who likes the accomplishment that comes from marking something off my to-do list, but … I am wrung out. My head…
