Renewal
While trying to look for something else the other day, I rediscovered this old poem that I’m going to share with you. I don’t remember writing it, but I do … Continue Reading Renewal
Golden Wedding
Today, my parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary! I would love to honor them by writing something about how they met, why they fell in love with each other, … Continue Reading Golden Wedding
Saints with Disabilities
Saints intercede to bring about miraculous cures for people with disabilities — they don’t have disabilities themselves. Right? Wrong. “It’s not like people with disabilities are usually known for feeding … Continue Reading Saints with Disabilities
Abandonment
“Remain here and keep watch with me.”[i] I’m quite helpless. And I’m afraid. This Lent, as I continue to examine my struggles and weaknesses in the light of Christ, I … Continue Reading Abandonment
Agony
“Not my will.” How many times have I desperately longed for my life of progressive disability to be different? For countless hours upon hours I have agonized, with teenaged hormones … Continue Reading Agony
Ashes
I’ve never felt betrayal, but I have known loss and change. The world in which we live is terribly beautiful: here is where we experience blossoms and sunlight, as well … Continue Reading Ashes
Beyond the Comfort Zone
It feels like I’m starting a new chapter in my life story. And it’s all kind of overwhelming. Yesterday, I was interviewed about my book, It’s Good to Be Here, … Continue Reading Beyond the Comfort Zone
So Tender and Mild
I’m about to share something very personal. (And I’m a bit scared. Though I hear, “Be not afraid.”) Last Sunday, at the Mass celebrating The Epiphany of Our Lord, while … Continue Reading So Tender and Mild
It’s Happening
What I’ve wanted to do since I was a young girl, what others have expected of me since I graduated from high school, what my family and friends have encouraged … Continue Reading It’s Happening
Answered Prayers
Recently, I was telling my friend that I have difficulty “hearing” God when I pray. Often finding it difficult to make decisions in my life, I will turn to God … Continue Reading Answered Prayers
Impatients
The most abundant flowers in my mother’s garden has always been impatiens. I used to call these pretty plants “impatients.” This was when I was a child who was quite … Continue Reading Impatients
Where the Light Enters You
“There’s a crack in everything… that’s how the light gets in.” — Leonard Cohen, songwriter. I know about cracks. I suffer from a seriously disabling disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy. My … Continue Reading Where the Light Enters You
Revolution: a poem
Trees to climb up and hills to roll down. But, not for me. “It’s okay,” I tell my friends at school, “You can go down and play in the … Continue Reading Revolution: a poem
Learning Is Life
I am the girl in the wheelchair who was valedictorian of her high school class — I am smart. I say this with no bragging, because everyone is smart in … Continue Reading Learning Is Life
Are We Having Fun yet?
I have a morbid sense of time passing. This probably comes from doctors telling my parents, when I was two, that my disease meant I wouldn’t live to be a … Continue Reading Are We Having Fun yet?
The Publishing Contract
I did it! That’s what I want to write, that’s what I want to shout out from the rooftops: “I did it! I did it!!!” The sentence, however, feels incomplete. … Continue Reading The Publishing Contract
