Columns

I made it! On Jan. 1, 2016, I took myself down to the beach. Sitting in Daytona on the white sand on a cool day, wrapped in two blankets because the breezes made me feel as if I was in a winter storm (thanks to Raynaud’s Syndrome), I had…

You’ll walk into my café early Sunday morning and as I look up to smile and greet you, I have no way of knowing what your impression of me may be. However, I’m certain there’s an array of truths that would never cross your mind. As a part-time…

When my diagnosis was shared with me by the doctor, my mom said “You need to find a support group.” I agreed. I knew that while my family was as supportive as they knew how to be, what I was going through required people who could relate,…

Sitting in my very first philosophy lecture, as our guest speaker was introducing his slides on Hinduism, I was the recipient of another type of first — my inaugural bout of brain fog. At the time I was so confused and upset, trying to type out lecture…

“Mind your business!” Perhaps we really aren’t too polite to tell you this. What really happens is that some of your comments catch us so completely off guard that the thought of telling you to back off only occurs to us after the situation is over. It seems everyone has…

Hopelessly and blindly naïve through all my relationships, I thought I knew what it was like to be loved unconditionally. Sitting here, single and laughing at my innocent, younger self, I realize that what was once considered to be unconditional doesn’t even come close to reaching what my…

Recently, I moved to the other side of the world in search of better and affordable healthcare. Selling off all of my belongings in the U.S., I knew I was preparing for a new and great adventure. I’d traveled alone before, but the longest I was away from…

If I had to identify with one of the Seven Deadly Sins I would choose pride without hesitation. I always have been stubbornly proud, and it’s hasn’t always been a hindrance. But there are times, especially now, that I need to be able to put it aside.

I will be honest, I am that person who rarely asks why bad things happen. Part of that is because it’s an exercise in futility. Who is going to answer you? Often, asking why is a reaction I see as wallowing, and…

I’ve never been much of a rule breaker, but I’ve always loved to push the boundaries in the most positive ways. In 21 years things haven’t changed all that much, except that now I play by lupus’ rules and, regardless of the fact I’ll forever be facing consequences,…