independence

April 9, 2019April 8, 2019

Adapting to Change Creatively

Columns, The Mermaid Chronic(les) - a Column by Kala Godin

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can cause a lot of things, including muscle weakness, fatigue, and pain. It’s different for everyone. It also changes. One of the best side effects of ... Read more

March 12, 2019March 11, 2019

From Homebody to Road Warrior

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

I write a lot about defying the odds and being adventurous despite my disability. I’m not keen on being called an inspiration by people who don’t even know me, but nevertheless, ... Read more

March 6, 2019March 4, 2019

Ella Helps Her Sister to Bake a Cake

Columns, Five Servings of Strength- a column by Michael Casten

Henry left the house in the evening to go to a friend’s house for a sleepover. As soon as her brother had departed, Ella began complaining that she never ... Read more

February 20, 2019February 19, 2019

Ella’s Week of Pride as She Takes on New Challenges

Columns, Five Servings of Strength- a column by Michael Casten

Ella has had a full week. Her school held parent-teacher meetings over two days. At Ella’s school, the students lead the conferences. She made a slideshow to showcase her ... Read more

February 12, 2019February 14, 2019

A Different Kind of Valentine’s Day

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

Full disclosure: I think Leif Erikson Day is far more legitimate than Valentine’s Day. Even though its popularity stems from the fictional universe of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” at least its ... Read more

February 5, 2019February 20, 2019

Acquiring More Independence Is Exhausting, but Worth It

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

If someone asks me to speak in front of hundreds of people, I say “no problem.” Stick a needle in my neck for a Spinraza injection, and it’s no ... Read more

January 28, 2019January 24, 2019

My Journey Toward Greater Independence

Columns, The Wolf Finally Frees Itself - a column by Brianna Albers

A few weeks ago, a friend told me I had to see “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” It was everything I loved, with amazing graphics, she said, so I couldn’t ... Read more

January 21, 2019February 4, 2019

With the New Year Comes Home Renovation

Columns, The Wolf Finally Frees Itself - a column by Brianna Albers

I’ve mentioned a couple of times that I don’t think I could live in the middle of nowhere. My parents want nothing more than to raise a few goats ... Read more

November 20, 2018November 19, 2018

My Adventures at the 2018 North Carolina Comicon

Columns, Embracing My Inner Alien - a column by Kevin Schaefer

Recently, I attended one of my favorite events of the year, the North Carolina Comicon. I’ve attended this show for five years in a row, and every staff member, ... Read more

October 15, 2018October 12, 2018

Poetry Readings and Wonder Woman

Columns, The Wolf Finally Frees Itself - a column by Brianna Albers

I’ve quoted my favorite poet, Ada Limón, several times throughout the history of this column. Her poems “The Leash” and “Instructions on Not Giving Up” have been key parts ... Read more