Columns

In the six months that followed my lupus diagnosis six years ago, only a few moments aren’t clouded by a haze. Everyone responds differently when their life is altered beyond repair, but I went into shock. If a genie had offered me a single wish, I would’ve asked…

In February 2021, I penned a farewell column for Lupus News Today that I wholeheartedly believed would be my last. Writing something that felt so final prompted many emotions. In between my first “hello” and what I thought was my last “adieu,” there were a hundred self-evolutions. The…

I’ve been procrastinating writing this column for a couple of days now. Partly because my heart doesn’t want to, and partly because I don’t know how to begin to say goodbye. As I pen my final farewell, I’m feeling emotional. But given how many nights I’ve spent teary-eyed, pouring…

As a kid, I was a big Carol Burnett fan. At the end of her variety show, she would sing a song called “I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together.” When it was over, she would tug on her ear. Today, I am tugging on my…

As we approach Rare Disease Day on Feb. 28, I reflect on the pros and cons of the word “rare.” Apart from my chronic illness, I love being unique. There’s something wonderful about having an uncommon skill or piece of knowledge. It’s partly the whimsy…

It’s funny what we take for granted — including the sound of our voices. For a few years, I took voice lessons and participated in community theater, often auditioning and making it with my singing voice. No, it was not Broadway, but it was fun and I truly enjoyed it.

Historic and challenging events happened last year. There was never a dull moment, and if your coping skills were rusty, 2020 made you get out the polish.  I was admitted to the hospital just after the year started and was in a medical facility until…

When my body started failing, I hopped on social media and asked if anyone had dealt with similar issues. As the mystery built, I coped by using comedy and positivity, as I often do. When the weight of…

Lupus stinks. I doubt I will ever change my mind about that. However, not everything about it stinks. I am learning to embrace things it has afforded me that I’d hoped for when I was a younger woman. I grew up poor, and when I think of the…

In my past life, I might have been a little vain. Never in an obnoxious way, but I was very secure in my looks and abilities. I have been told all my life that I am pretty, but I always say thank you, and I am gracious, as…