It's almost Mother's Day once again. My mom has been dead for fifty-seven weeks. This is a fact. As for the feelings, I am still inexplicably devoid of them, at least externally. I know they are there, simmering beneath the surface, but I continue to find it difficult to access them. My grief is like... Continue Reading →
When I was about 13 years old, my dad taught me how to shoot a gun. He was an avid hunter and gun collector who even did his own reloading. It was what he poured his spare time into and where he found joy. My brother didn’t seem to have much an interest in guns,... Continue Reading →
Two thirds of my job is being my school’s testing coordinator. Because I work in a special education school, this position means that for two months of the year (after seven months of mind-numbing planning, mind you), I sit in the basement of our school and watch students as they are tested. This sounds like... Continue Reading →
It would be so nice to be from a small town. Everyone would know my name and I would know theirs. We would always greet each other with a friendly hello on the street or a wave from the driver’s seat. The townspeople would rally around a family in pain or join in the collective... Continue Reading →
I have an important announcement to make. After much thought, I have decided to divorce my body. This day has been coming for more than ten years, but I have been in denial about exactly how much our relationship had deteriorated. Now, however, I have contacted a lawyer to begin the proceedings. It’s over. To... Continue Reading →
I think we’re running an assisted living facility for our cat. You might think I’m making this up but honestly, this cat is living the dream of every elderly feline. Just like an assisted living facility, all is provided for our resident. Casey never has to leave her climate-controlled home and everything is done for... Continue Reading →
Dear Chronic Pain, You're a jerk, you know that, right? Hate is not a strong enough word for how I feel about you. Loathing, contempt, disdain—these will all do nicely. You have robbed me of more than 10 years of my life and for what? Do you have a reason? A purpose? A divine message... Continue Reading →
My last blog post featured a fun glimpse into what my life is like as I travel with my constant frienemy, pain. But travel is also interesting when you are attempting to, once again, reach a healthy weight. And you are in Savannah, Georgia, a place brimming with absolutely yummy offerings. And you have already... Continue Reading →
Before I am about to leave for any vacation, well-meaning people often ask me questions that go something like this: Isn’t it great to go away and not have any neck pain for a week? Don’t you enjoy going somewhere and not having a constant headache? Isn’t it nice to get away from your pain?... Continue Reading →
I started going through drug withdrawal yesterday. Don’t panic. It’s not what it sounds like, although it certainly feels like it. I am not coming off of heroin in a jail cell. I didn’t get dragged to rehab after an intervention of family and friends because I’ve been indulging in the Walter White special. I’m... Continue Reading →
Ever Onward 