Columns

As depression and anxiety started to affect my outlook on life, I noticed how these challenges clouded even the simplest moments. Depression’s weight often made it hard to see beyond a day’s struggles, while anxiety…

Every morning, my dog, Stella, impatiently waits for me to wake up. While it’s true that she loves me, it’s also true that she’s excited about the treat I give her after she greets me with…

I’ll confess: When I wished for a spinal fusion in my teens, it was for cosmetic reasons. This was before kyphoscoliosis — an abnormal curvature of the spine both sideways and forward —…

In the family classic “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” all four of Charlie Bucket’s bedridden grandparents share the same sleeping space. It’s a bewildering arrangement that fans have poked fun at throughout the years. Every time I…

“Watch out for that Heidi Brown,” my dad likes to say. “She’ll keep you on your toes.” It’s true. If there’s one thing my mom excels at (and there are many), it’s coming up with the most exquisite…

Elephants have long been my favorite animal. I even have a collection of items depicting them. I’m captivated by the majestic giants whose eyes seem to convey vast wisdom and an array of relatable emotions like…

I’m now in a season of life when things that were once taken apart are getting put back together. In my previous column, I explained that after 29 years of living in our house, my mom and…

I’ve often said that it’s probably a good thing we don’t have a crystal ball. While sometimes it might be beneficial to know what lies ahead, if I could choose a magical power, I’d opt for…

I’ve slept with a BiPAP machine every night since I was 1 year old. (I’m 33 now.) This noninvasive ventilator delivers pressurized air to my lungs, providing my weakened muscles some respite by taking over my breathing work. Over the years, this machine has become my trusty companion.

I’ve never understood why some people are weird about wheelchairs. Why the pity? Why think needing to use one is one of the worst things someone could face? I blame my first power wheelchair for my inability to understand. I got it when I was about 9 from…