Author Archives: Kevin Schaefer

Full disclosure: Although I was an English major in college, I didn’t read all the books I was supposed to. Oops. As I think back to my days as a student, I was so focused on the idea of getting the grades I needed…

“Pack my suitcase?” That famous quote from “Home Alone” coincides with a shellshocked expression on Kevin’s face. For a character who has no concept of independence at the start of the movie, packing his own luggage for a family…

July is recognized as Disability Pride Month, as it coincides with the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Whereas this law secures basic rights for those of us with disabilities, disability pride is a phrase that…

“I want to know, can you show me/ I want to know about the strangers like me.” These lyrics from Phil Collins’ “Strangers Like Me” play during an iconic scene from Disney’s “Tarzan.” As Tarzan and Jane swing through…

What follows is possibly the most difficult column I’ve ever written.  Since 2020 has a recurring theme of being a never-ending dumpster fire for everyone, I suppose this bit of news was inevitable. A week ago, my family and I said goodbye to my service…