Columns

In August 2013, months of questions, fears, and wild speculation came to a shocking conclusion. The changes to my body and abilities were explained: I had Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). The days, weeks, and months after receiving that diagnosis were some of the strangest of my life. As I…

Most of us have probably heard inspiring stories about “mom strength,” “superhuman strength,” or “hero strength.” This phenomenon, known as hysterical strength, refers to extraordinary displays of human strength, typically prompted by a life-threatening situation. As someone living with a degenerative condition called Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), I’ve spent…

Dear M&M’s, As a longtime fan of your candy, I want to say thank you. Your candy-coated chocolates have been a positive memory for me since before I could walk. The memory of my grandfather is forever tied to M&M’s because he gave me a brown bag of…

Advocacy can be a tricky, give-and-take process. So often those of us living with disabilities are faced with mixed emotions as we go about our daily activities. On the one hand, we’re told to be grateful for our remaining abilities and celebrated for making the most of our circumstances. On…

I’ve always been an emotional person. I feel everything with great depth and have a long memory, and while I love to celebrate the good in life, I tend to be consumed by the bad. I often take things personally and overthink them. At times, my emotions will seem to…

I share my journey with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) openly, and I know that my sharing, coupled with my highly visible walker, puts a spotlight on my disability. However, I’ve had some acquaintances who immediately approach me and bring up my disability every time our paths cross —…

I read the headline on social media and shrugged: “Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s Steadfast Monarch, Dies.” My Thursday continued mostly unaffected. I normally don’t pay much attention to the British royal family, but in the past few days, I haven’t stopped thinking about the queen’s passing. Perhaps writing about…

I grew up in Katy, Texas, and in keeping with the Texan stereotype, I was a cheerleader who married my high school sweetheart, who also happened to be the captain of the football team. Together, we have a 7-year-old son, Brooks, and a 5-year-old daughter, Collins. We are raising…

It’s no secret that I struggle both mentally and physically with the relentlessly progressive nature of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). Just when I think I’ve got the hang of coping with advancing symptoms and the adaptations they require, new challenges enter my path. I feel like I’m constantly putting…

Tensions are always high and opinions seem to be loudest whenever it’s election season. Of course, it’s best to avoid the topic of politics at holiday gatherings, meet-and-greets, and in this column. However, given all the recent political ads and an experience I had the other day, I’ve…

Many have read Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel “The Scarlet Letter,” but in case you haven’t, the main character, Hester, is forced to live her life as an outcast with the scarlet letter “A,” for “adulterer,” on her chest to atone for her sin. The novel follows her life as an ostracized…

It’s the time of year when we begin to catch little glimpses of changes coming — a breeze blowing unexpectedly, cool morning air, leaves starting to fall. I’ve learned after my 43 years on this earth that seasons change. Even though the summer days are still long and hot, they…