The Algebra of Dating with FA: The Ex and the Why
“I get him, and he gets me,” Cassandra states as if it’s obvious. Her boyfriend Roland can be seen in the background of this shot, acting goofy and dancing in his wheelchair. As they…
Little Victories — Matthew Lafleur
Matthew’s life doesn’t look like he imagined it would, back when he was an active Cajun boy. After he was diagnosed at age 11 with Friedreich’s ataxia, he slowly lost hope in his own capabilities. He eventually achieved a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in mental health counseling. Writing a column at Friedreich’s Ataxia News and serving as the HR culture coordinator of its parent company BioNews combines his two degrees perfectly. He now pays attention to life’s small, often overlooked successes. In progressive disability, Matt tries to notice his little victories, hoping that others notice their own … or something like that.
Featured Post
Joining the Most Important Game of My Life
Somewhere, it’s like a whistle has been blown urging me to get off of the sidelines and into the game. Finding a treatment for my rare disorder is a lot like a professional football game. Crazy metaphor, I know.
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Daydreaming and Other Ways of Coping
“Don’t hold a glass over the flame/Don’t let your heart grow cold/I will call you by name/I will share your road.” –Mumford & Sons. “Matt?” my…
FA Progression and Childhood Spies
In my memory, we were always lithe and sure-footed. Two shadowy cat burglars, but with no inclination to steal. So, not burglars; we were spies. Spies! My aunt and uncle and their kids arrived at…
I’m Still Pedaling to Keep My Oath
I gritted my teeth. The August sun in south Louisiana pounded unrelentingly onto my head. Drops of sweat trickled down from my hairline, along the sides of my face. I’ve never really sweated very much,…
Finding the ‘Why’ and Bearing the ‘How’
Reminders of life’s beginning and end kept cropping up unexpectedly this week. My 4-month-old niece was baptized, initiated into her parents’ faith, and began a journey. Days later, I heard from an online friend that…
The Day I Began Tracking My ‘Little Victories’
In an instant, my plans and dreams vanished; I was left wandering through life with no set future, and it was scary. I can remember parts of that day in ’97: hopping onto…
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