The Beginner's Guide to Walking — Jennifer V.

This week, my sweet girl, Sophie, has turned the big 10. I’m feeling all verklempt because they told me she couldn’t exist. But doctors are wrong sometimes, and I’m glad I trusted my gut. Twelve years ago, little information…

In my early 20s, I decided to drop everything and travel across Europe with my close friend Phil. Our trip was memorable for many reasons, including the fact that it was in Italy when I first felt unwell. It…

Europe is under an extreme weather alert. It’s so hot that certain trains between countries are not operational — the tracks are buckling under the extreme heat. This makes me think of climate in general and in…

The phrase “fake it till you make it” is meant to encourage self-confidence. During many tough moments in my life, like learning to walk again, I’ve relied on this phrase. There are moments when I don’t feel good, but…

Words can hurt, especially labels. We can deny a label all we want, but terms like “disabled” will close many doors. What does it mean to be disabled, though? I find the term offensive because it implies I’m not…

I love beach vacations. I put my phone and laptop away, grab a good book, and head out into the sun. But the sun is not to be messed with, especially for an immune-suppressed patient. Many medications can…

For nearly two and a half years, I avoided catching the COVID-19 virus. When I finally ventured away from my home, I was infected. Weeks later, I’m still feeling the effects. My daughter, Sophie, was recently given an…

Trying something new will always intimidate me. While my head might feel prepared, my body doesn’t always cooperate. This year my husband and I agreed to take in a homestay teenager who is studying dance at the same studio…

During my transverse myelitis attack in 2009, I lost feeling and control in the lower half of my body. My medical team determined that I needed a spinal tap to reduce the fluid buildup. The procedure was done…

I know it’s not a popular choice, but I enjoy sweet and tart zinfandel. I like the delightful pink color, and rosé is a snobby word that’s fun to say. Zinfandels should be enjoyed in the warm summer months,…

“Let’s talk about sex, baby/ Let’s talk about you and me/ Let’s talk about all the good things/ And the bad things that may be/ Let’s talk about sex.” — Salt-N-Pepa My friends and I used to giggle every…

I’ve been so exhausted before that I’ve said, “No one will know if I leave the kitchen looking like this.” Dirty dishes will be piled up in the sink, while clean dishes are still in the dishwasher. A sticky…