A Conversation Between Myself and Heaven...One night, many years ago, before dinnertime, I was sitting at my kitchen table by myself and thinking about Jessie, who had SMA, and her deteriorating condition. Unexpectedly, all of...reactions1comment
Self-Care Routine...When I first began to read blogs and see posts about others doing their “self-care,” I remember my first thought: “Well I can’t do it “myself,” so it feels more...reactionscomments
Hiding Medical Equipment...Growing up, I never felt embarrassed or ashamed of the extensive medical equipment that was on display in my bedroom. A BiPAP, suction machine, air concentrator, cough assist, pulse-ox monitor...reactionscomments
When Your Significant Other Becomes Your PCA...Suzanne and I met over 6 years ago. We both had an attraction to each other. Our friendship grew into a relationship. As we spent more time with each other...reactionscomments
The Freedom to Swim...Sometimes I just want to stand up and fling my arms around or jump or spin really fast until I’m dizzy and fall on the floor. It’s the feeling when...reactions1comment
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)...I mentioned this program briefly before. This was extremely helpful to our situation when we first were introduced to it in 1995. The goal of this program was to assist...reactionscomments
Talking With Children Who Have SMA About Their Body...I remember being a child and having very bold discussions with health care providers regarding my weight. Their focus was a clinical view of my body. Remember you cannot gain...reactions6comments
Frustrations Around Able-Bodied People Using the Accessible Bathrooms...If you’re following along, this is Part 4 of my story. The first three articles are linked below: The event that prompted this long story was that I had to...reactionscomments
Thanksgiving & Difficulty Swallowing...So, the fourth Thursday of every November in the US is Thanksgiving. For our international friends, it is a national holiday centered around giving thanks for any blessings experienced during...reactions1comment
Fashion Within the Disability World...This is a topic that I think the world is expanding upon: fashion within the disability world. For a long time, I think there was an idea out there that...reactions1comment
Tips for Talking to Your Doctor About SMA...Most people living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) need care from multiple doctors. Regular doctor’s visits help you or your child manage breathing, nutrition, and movement. This can help improve...reactionscomments
Giving Up Driving...I touched on this topic a little in my article “How Expensive Is That Minivan.” I drove without any driving adaptations for 24 years. Driving gave me freedom, an opportunity to...reactionscomments
Preparing For the Working World ...With college behind him, it was now time for Mike to apply for that first job in the business world. I know that if you are a young adult with...reactions1comment
How To Be a Good Friend...Recently I’ve read a few posts regarding being disabled and having friends. One was in a Muscular Dystrophy Facebook group where someone shared that their good friend is getting married...reactionscomments
Healthy Holiday Boundaries...We all just survived a pandemic. That is no small feat! As the holidays come around, we are going to be surrounded by greater volumes of people with differing opinions...reactionscomments
SMA Mama – Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum...I have spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 3. I’m unable to stand, walk, or transfer. I use a manual wheelchair and power wheelchair and require assistance from others to assist...reactionscomments
Traveling With SMA: What to Consider...Traveling is a great way to relax, learn about other cultures, and bond with your family. People with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and their families can still travel like everyone...reactionscomments
Where Does This Leave Siblings?...That has been the question for our family for 39 years. I’m sure every parent asks themselves that often. My experience is that we all try our best to juggle...reactions1comment
Getting Wheelchair Accessible Concert Tickets...If you’ve ever lost out on accessible/ADA tickets to your favorite band or musician, today is your lucky day because I am sharing my tricks for always locking down a...reactionscomments
The Importance of Stretching...Beginning in my early 30’s, SMA started to take away a lot of my strength. As a result, I began sitting more and more. I mostly used my scooter up...reactionscomments