Columns

Remembering Special Events That Brought Us Joy

This week, we celebrate Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Nearly 600 hot air balloons fly overhead while we stand in the grass, looking up at the beautiful sight. I cannot help but think back to when my youngest son was 8 years old and unable to walk. We…

Holding Out Hope When Changes Occur

My husband, Jared, and I are on the cusp of making a major life decision. This decision had always been part of our long-term plan. We just didn’t expect it to happen so soon. Still, one event led to another, and we found ourselves standing before the option we are…

Finding Hope in the Worst of Circumstances

No one likes to feel out of control of their body, but those of us affected by chronic illness know that when the disease rears its ugly head, we may struggle to find a sense of power. As the father of two sons with hemophilia, I understand how the storms…

Where Are the Voices of Filipino PWDs?

I’ve been busy setting up my personal website and blog lately. So far, chronic illness and disability are two of my major themes. My husband, Jared, has hemophilia and a seizure disorder, and I see him face the challenges of being disabled every day. His conditions affect our marriage, family,…

An Eventful Night Reminds Me of What’s Most Important

The events of last weekend proved chaotic and unexpected. On our way to see a movie, my family was involved in an automobile accident that left my vehicle inoperable. The person who caused the collision sped away, leaving us alone and frightened. I called 911, and a fire truck, ambulance,…

Coping and Staying Connected During COVID-19 Quarantine

As of this writing, my family and I have been in quarantine for over a week because my husband, Jared, has COVID-19. We were anxious after he tested positive,  because we didn’t know what the outcome would be. Thankfully, he’s doing much better, and his symptoms have subsided. He…