2 I have become a tobii wizard. It's true. Once upon a time, it took me fifteen minutes to type one paragraph. Now, I glide across apps, carrying and adding to my content, dipping into shortcuts to rearrange my words into uniquely crafted messages that sound authentic to yours truly - all at a … Continue reading For the Love of Dog
Category: Friendship
Draw on the Magic of New Years to Improve Your Health (Even if You Have ALS)
2 3 I have never really been one to get excited about New Years. Early on, my mom instilled in me a lasting fear of the hordes of drunk drivers careening about all night. I am now 30 years old, and to this day, I have never been to a New Years Eve party I … Continue reading Draw on the Magic of New Years to Improve Your Health (Even if You Have ALS)
A new approach to preventing and identifying depression
3 3 Depression is a sneaky beast. It’s the monster beneath the bed, waiting until you’re vulnerable to grab you by the ankles, drag you into its dark, misty kingdom and leave you to wander alone. I’m just stumbling out of a two month-long bout of depression. I knew I was at risk. In fact, … Continue reading A new approach to preventing and identifying depression
My Depression Diary
3 4 4 4 2 Trigger Warning! Forward: When just over a month ago I sensed that my mind was changing, I was overcome with a frenzied need to record everything I thought and felt. Even before I understood that I was depressed, I realized I was going somewhere that outsiders could never truly visit. … Continue reading My Depression Diary
3 Things to Be Grateful for This Thanksgiving If You Have ALS
3 2 Those of us living with ALS or loving someone who has it are gratitude experts. Don't misunderstand me. We have our dark, bitter moments. As we catalogue our blessings - the precious time we have had on earth, our remaining abilities - we inevitably think about the other side of the coin. Yes, … Continue reading 3 Things to Be Grateful for This Thanksgiving If You Have ALS
Unabridged: “Is Your Doctor Hurting Your Mental Health? Why You Need an Emotionally Intelligent Doctor and How to Find One”
3 3 2 If you are anything like me, you do a little research before choosing a doctor. Patients can easily learn about the traditional aspects of their doctor's qualifications, such as the college they attended, years practicing, and awards earned, with a simple Internet search. However, it's quite a bit harder to get a … Continue reading Unabridged: “Is Your Doctor Hurting Your Mental Health? Why You Need an Emotionally Intelligent Doctor and How to Find One”
Feeding Tube Foodie; or How I’m Being Lured to the Dark Side
The sound of the microwave whirring to life sliced through my interest in the book I was reading in the living room. I made a beeline for the kitchen where my husband Evan was clearly up to something delicious. (it was a good day for me in terms of hand strength, so I was able … Continue reading Feeding Tube Foodie; or How I’m Being Lured to the Dark Side
Oceans Between Me and You
Lately, I feel like the little girl in this music video - that I have to put on a cape and mask just to face the world and my increasingly isolated place within it. Of course, that's not a healthy or sustainable way to live, but I try all the same. Perhaps I try because … Continue reading Oceans Between Me and You
Cloudgazing
Sitting in my dark apartment, I watched the clock eagerly, biting my lip as I waited for 9:30. Because of my feeding and medication schedule, I rarely go out at night, but I was about to make an exception. Three more ticks from my kitchen clock, and I put my wheelchair on high speed, zooming … Continue reading Cloudgazing
Leaves in My River, Stars in My Sky
I hate crying - it's an uncontrollable language of pain, and I lack enough control as it is - but I was crying tonight. I've heard that no single emotion is inherently good or bad. We should acknowledge them all, pick each up like a leaf from a stream, think, "It's just sadness," then put … Continue reading Leaves in My River, Stars in My Sky
How I Live Now: Life With ALS 