Hope from Home - a Column by Katie Griffith

Katie, who lives in Alabama, is a wife and mother of three. Life changed suddenly in 2018 when her oldest son, Noah, was diagnosed with FA just months after she and her husband adopted their youngest child from foster care. Previously a nurse, Katie now spends her days meeting the needs of her children and advocating for their well-being. Some of her favorite things are the enneagram, deal finding, and long baths at the end of tough days. Katie’s goal is to offer glimpses of hope in the midst of daily life as a caregiver

Goodbyes Are Never Easy, but They Are Part of Life

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…

Even When You Don’t Think You Can, Do It Anyway

Greetings! These summer temperatures are getting close to the triple digits down here in Alabama, and honestly, if it doesn’t involve air conditioning, I’d rather not go. I have a 6-year-old who loves baseball, and I love him, so you’ll find me most evenings at the ball field with a…

Growth Takes Time, So Don’t Lose Hope

Hello there! This time of year, the weather can be very unpredictable. I always associate spring with signs of new life sprouting up all around, but tend to forget it takes rain to make things grow. As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” Unfortunately, along with the rain…

Learning to Do Small Things With Great Love

Hello there! We recently sprung forward with daylight saving time in my corner of the world, and I love having an extra hour of sunlight each evening. Spring is in the air, and I hope you are able to take a few moments to enjoy the buds blooming and the…

Learning When to Speak Up and When to Be Silent

Hello there! It was one year ago this month that I wrote my first column for Friedreich’s Ataxia News. I’m so thankful that I’ve been given this opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings as a caregiver. Thank you for reading each month and coming along on this journey…

When Trauma Happens, Learn to Look for the Light

Happy January! I hope you have been enjoying 2022 so far. A new year can often feel like a fresh start, providing a renewed sense of hope and courage. Even if you are feeling overwhelmed by the darkness right now, I hope you can still take life one moment at…

A Shift in Perspective Can Change Everything

Hello and happy holidays! Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and this time of year can be so hectic that it’s often over before we have time to process it. I hope you are able to carve out a few moments during this season to ponder gratitude and to focus on some…

In Search of Peace, Love, and a Cure for FA

Hello, everyone! I am so grateful you are taking a few moments of your day to join me here. I hope you can spend some time reflecting on happier days in the past and looking ahead toward a brighter future. Even if your current reality feels overwhelming, please know that…

Learning How to Do ‘The Next Right Thing’

Hello, and may I be the first to wish you a happy fall! Of all the things I find pleasure in, pumpkins and changing leaves are close to the top. Even if fall isn’t your favorite season, I hope you can find some joy in the beauty that nature brings…

Let Them Try Out Their Wings

Happy August! I don’t know about where you live, but here in Alabama, instead of waiting until after Labor Day, school starts early this month. While August doesn’t tend to bring cooler temperatures in these parts, I hope that this time of year will bring not only much-needed routines but…

‘We’re All in This Together’

Welcome, friends! I hope you are staying cool and spending some quality time with those you love. I am so thankful for you and the part you play in this community. It’s July and super hot here in Alabama, where I live. My family and I have probably been watching…