Jean Walsh hails from Massachusetts. You will find a mental health perspective in her writing, reflecting her two mental health graduate degrees. She has years of work experience, the most pertinent being her experience as a grant writer. Jean was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) when she was 19, and has been an avid FA volunteer since. She is 40 years into her journey with FA and so has a lot of experience to share with her shared FA, rare, and chronic disease communities.
The other day I was listening to a podcast. (I think I’m addicted to podcasts.) The interviewee had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), though she preferred that it be called post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) because…
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A few days ago, I looked at vacation pictures from our trip to Hawaii in 2007. It was a wonderful vacation — not perfect, but fun and relaxing. We watched postcard-perfect sunsets over the…
This morning, like many mornings before it, I pulled out gym clothes as my all-day outfit. Gym clothes are comfortable and easy to put on. I work out most days, so gym clothes are…
It’s summertime, the season for travel. There’s so much fun at every stage: the planning, the doing, and the reminiscing. I love to travel, though I have Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), which means I…
A week ago, I woke up early on a slightly cloudy, humid Sunday morning. I had butterflies in my stomach as my husband, Dave, and I drove 40 minutes to a fundraiser for my…
This morning I was practicing my pre-getting-out-of-bed routine. I take a pill, do breathing exercises, and meditate for about 10 minutes. I mostly follow this routine, but not always. It’s my way of trying…
About 12 years ago, I went dog mushing with my local disabled sports organization, Northeast Passage. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Those of us who participated have various disabilities, and we got to…
I am a work in progress, just like everyone else in this world, so I need to give myself grace. The meaning of grace is essential. Several of my columns, including the…
I have been attending a leadership training for people with rare diseases. The training is fueled by fierce moms trying to pave the way for their children to live in a better world full…
Last week, I took a slow-motion fall. While transferring from bed to my wheelchair, I tried to reach for something — so I could be quicker — and landed on the floor. I am…
I’m a regular at my gym. Because of transportation issues — a story for another column — I didn’t get there for about three months. Last week was my first week back. So I…
I was transported to a joyful memory while listening to the radio a few days ago. I’m in the home where I grew up, and it’s sunny and cheerful. My sisters, Lisa and Tricia,…
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