Tag Archives: special needs

Mind: Learning from Disability and Disaster.

What can we learn from Hurricane Maria and the long-term loss of both roads and electricity in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean islands? Most of us do not live on an island or area readily isolated from help, yet it … Continue reading

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Essay. Finding gratitude when you don’t feel grateful.

This morning I paused at the foot of the stairs and looked for the mirror that hung there for 23 years. It wasn’t there, just a nail and a bare white wall. We have taught Joseph to come directly to … Continue reading

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Health Article. Distinctions in Dogs and Other Animals who Work in Public.

Animals can have public roles as well as being part of their family at home. The ways in which dogs (as well as the occasional cat, rabbit, pig, or miniature horse) serve are increasing. That makes education increasingly important. Because … Continue reading

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Patient Advocacy. Disability and Safety in Public I. When private information needs to be taken outside the family.

I never thought about disability until I was disabled at 25. For the first two years after my head injury, I was at home or with my husband. I didn’t think about the line between my privacy in public and … Continue reading

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Essay. The Olympics: Born of War, Gateway to Peace.

The ancient Olympics showcased warriors and their skills. The modern Olympics, Paralympic games and Special Olympic games prove people not only survive injury and disability, they can thrive. The first Olympic games I remember well were held in Munich, and … Continue reading

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Essay. Pets of my Life I. Teddy and Forgiveness.

My life chapters are defined by pets. As the first essay on how my dogs have sustained me, here is the story of my first puppy, Teddy, bought when I was 34 to make my dog-loving husband happy. Teddy taught … Continue reading

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Essay. Autism Awareness Day 2016

On my 21st birthday, I began medical school. We debated with Joseph until the weekend before his birthday whether he wanted a cake with Pokemon or Paw Patrol. He chose Paw Patrol, a cartoon show for pre-school children about a … Continue reading

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Essay. Doorknobs, Lamps and Love.

I wrote as a child. I started writing again after the head injury that ended my medical career. This post is because my son is turning 21. For Joseph, 21 means turning 3 for the 18th time, although he does … Continue reading

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Essay. Kindness.

There is a saying that no act of kindness is wasted. In a discussion, a number of friends thought the saying means that even if there is no result, no recognition or response in another person, an act of kindness … Continue reading

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Essay. Dancing in the Dark.

When I was little, love was a magical force that bound people together. While I knew people were very imperfect, love seemed to be beyond usual human limitations. Then I became a mother. By the time Joseph was 2 years … Continue reading

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