This past week Mike and I went to see my kidney doctor, as we do about every 4 months. The purpose of the visit is to monitor my kidneys and how they are doing. It’s always like sitting on pins and needles until he reads the numbers from the blood test, which tell you everything. […]
Recently, I was a guest on a local TV program hosted by Scott Kaplan and Amber Mesker. It was the first time I had ever been interviewed. I did not realize how simple the set up was, as I expected to see a lot more cameras, lights and noise. It was a simple set and […]
Since my accident in 1985, I have been through some very difficult times. There have been many days when I’ve felt fearful to “walk out my front door.” However, the focus of this blog is to help you as the reader understand that when you push through fears and “walk out your front door,” it changes […]
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. It is a very special day for everyone who has children and families. However, for some of us who may have lost our mother or possibly a child, it is a very difficult day. It is also difficult for those of us who do not have […]
Those of us who live in suffering do not realize the depth of understanding we can give to others. Whether it is on the internet, phone, or praying and sending good thoughts to others we know who live with invisible disabilities, we can make a difference. Sometimes our pain and sickness lead us to being […]
“When you are weak, you are strong.” What does this really mean? For those of us who have invisible disabilities, this is a haunting statement, yet it is one of the most liberating and powerful principles available to us. We want so desperately to look someone in the eye and say, “I’m doing great. How […]
I have been involved with the Invisible Disabilities Association for a few months and have found it to be very helpful in many ways. I’ve met several people who share some of the same struggles I do. I have also really enjoyed telling my story through the blog and hope it has inspired others. A […]
Living with pain is very difficult, as there are many times when there is no way possible for me to get rid of it or be comfortable enough just to relax. Having physical pain can be a constant obstacle for many people, including myself. Instead of remaining angry or frustrated, I try to create soothing […]
Have you ever been in a car accident or known someone who has? Have you ever experienced another type of accident that either injured you or left you fearful? Have you ever had, or know someone whose had a serious health condition or one that scared you? Most of us can identify with one of […]
February 13, 1985 was a day that changed my life forever. I was a freshman attending Ft Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. On that day, I spent the day rock climbing with 2 friends, a sport I had taken up 9 months prior. Later in the afternoon, I had reached the summit; it was an […]
One of the most difficult mountains I’ve faced in my life are those that deal with my health. The reason is because many of these challenges have been things that I have had little to no control over. I can try to mitigate some of the symptoms with medication, healthy eating and good lifestyle choices; […]
In the last two years I have lost four people I cared for very much. They both were about my age, 45. Losing these friends forced me to face a mountain of loss that I was not familiar with. Standing at the bottom of this mountain, I had no idea what to do next. There […]
It takes time to appreciate the value of climbing a mountain. You do not know if you will be able to make it to the top, get stuck half way, or be so frightened you stand at the bottom, afraid to take the first step. Choices in real life are the same. Some things we […]
