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.
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…