It’s hard to be mortal and reminded of your mortality. It’s one thing to know there’s an ending to this thing we call life and to let the thought pass through your mind. But it’s an entirely different thing to sit with that notion and let it bear its…
Third in a series. Read parts one and two. It’s been almost seven years since I was diagnosed with lupus. During that time, I’ve known many evolutions of myself, and each version of Kristiana has held a different outlook on love and life. We began…
Second in a series. Read part one. It was June 2016, and I remember unlocking my phone, opening up the Tinder dating app, and staring at the screen. Where to begin? Recently diagnosed with a chronic illness, I didn’t even know how to approach bringing someone new into…
First in a three-part series. Lupus, love, and I have always shared a complicated relationship, as my diagnosis came not long after my first real breakup. In the chaos of having my heart broken, I poured every ounce of my strength into putting on a brave face for…
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.