In August, Mom and Dad packed our suitcases and loaded them into the trunk while my brother and I climbed into the backseat. We adjusted our pillows and organized our games in an attempt to get comfortable. It was a long trip from Calgary, Alberta to my Uncle’s farm outside Hodgeville, Saskatchewan, Canada. I loved my ...

***TRIGGER WARNING*** THE FOLLOWING NONFICTION STORY PERTAINS TO MENTAL ILLNESS AND FORMS OF ABUSE I sit here in the computer room of my low-income apartment. Walls painted off-white makes it easy to turn my attention to the single window to my left. All I see are gray clouds and snowflakes. The wind blows them in ...

If only we could glance away from our self-centered distractions and the constant battle of being “right!” The price we are paying for these harsh battles comes at the expense of the relationships we value most. We judge the integrity and character of others by “their” opinions. How about we take an honest and introspective look ...

Sitting here at the window, staring up at the stars, how they sparkle in the night sky like diamonds. It makes one reflect on life and regrets. Do I have regrets? Yes, but I learned from those regrets. Who would have known the signs were there when I was a child? It is possible, but ...

The holiday season poses unique challenges for someone with cerebral palsy. When I was growing up, I loved dressing up as my favorite animal and handing out candy on Halloween. I love going to holiday parties dressed like my favorite Disney princess. Now that I’m older, I understand the complexities that come with the holiday ...

There’s an old AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) slogan I learned many years ago, “you have to give it away to keep it.” The reference was to sobriety, but it applies to most everything. I can describe the phrase as karma, generosity, tithing, and selfless giving. Detailed in my article titled “Ricochet” is a similar example of this theory. ...

Ricochet: a verb meaning to bounce off something at an angle.  When it comes to firearms, a ricochet can be dangerous and deadly. When it comes to life, it can go either way. A verbal “bullet” will always be deflected in one way or another. A bad relationship can ricochet emotional baggage into every relationship ...

The fall season is hands down my favorite time of year. The leaves begin to fall and turn to beautiful shades of red, yellow, and orange. I am always eager with anticipation for stepping outside to feel the crisp, cool air brush against my cheeks. Wearing comfy sweaters and flannel pajama pants again. Smelling the ...

Our strength grows out of our weaknesses- Ralph Waldo Emerson Millions of Americans live with chronic pain. The number of people who are affected by pain is significantly higher than that of those who suffer from diabetes, heart disease, and cancer all rolled into one. When a person experiences pain, it is usually their body’s ...

One of my favorite television shows of all time is That 70’s Show. I remember the days when I used to come home from school, sit by the TV with my homework and watch the fictional lives of six teenagers living in the suburbs of Wisconsin. In the finale of season five, the gang goes ...