Author Archives: Connie Chandler

Throughout the summer, my favorite pastime is just to be outside, for long walks, porch talks, picnics — any reason to bask in the sunshine. But as the days get cooler and shorter, I prefer to be inside and…

“Take the burden from my arms/ Take the anchors off my lungs …”  This is the opening line to “Live It Well,” one of my favorite songs, by Switchfoot, one of my…

“If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate, just give me a yell!” Pam says on Saturday nights as she tucks me into bed. “OK, you, too!” I reply, and we giggle and bid each other…

A few years ago, a good friend of mine named Essie found out that her newborn daughter had been diagnosed with SMA. She reached out to me then, as she knew I had…

Last week, I ran 4 miles in 50 minutes. “Big deal,” you might say. “You ride in a power wheelchair that can go 6 miles per hour.” All very true. Because I have SMA and cannot…

“Come on, girl, just use your four extra arms!” I often tease my friends like this when we’re trying to accomplish a tricky caregiving task together. Some things would go a lot smoother if we had more hands helping…

The other weekend, I was invited to a golf tournament. It was a gorgeous day, and I rarely turn down an invitation for a good time, so naturally, I channeled my inner Rory Gilmore,…

The other weekend, I was invited to a golf tournament. It was a gorgeous day, and I rarely turn down an invitation for a good time, so naturally, I channeled my inner Rory Gilmore,…

One of the most common questions new friends ask me is: “Do you drive?” When I’m feeling snarky, I refer to my wheelchair and respond: “All the time.” But I know they are actually wondering if…

One of the most common questions new friends ask me is: “Do you drive?” When I’m feeling snarky, I refer to my wheelchair and respond: “All the time.” But I know they are actually wondering if…