Stages of Relief After a Traumatic Period

1 Aug
I had this idea months ago and wanted to take the time I needed to process everything before I wrote this. Honestly, I still don’t feel fully prepared to do this “correctly,” but I don’t know that I ever will,...
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On Lambeau Field, Celebrity, Possible Impossible and Heroes Defined

18 Jul
Christina Irene wearing Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodger's jersey in Lambeau Field
Two weeks ago, I was in Green Bay, Wisconsin, home of my favorite American football team, the Green Bay Packers, and my soul scored a big win on Lambeau Field. I’m not a die-hard fan, but I’m a fan. I...
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Yes, You are Disabled Enough, and Why You Should Say So

3 Jul
I recently talked to someone who questioned whether she was “disabled enough” to identify as disabled. She said she had a “mild” version of her condition and hesitated to even talk about it. I really related to this, because sometimes...
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“Usual” Does Not Make It “OK”

17 Jun
I’ve had a bad stretch of bad days lately. One of my very least favorite symptoms of my chronic conditions, extreme stomach bloating, has had an excessive tenure this month. In addition, my fibromyalgia has been super active. Last weekend,...
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When I Play Favorites with My Chronic Conditions

30 May
This week it occurred to me that I play favorites with my chronic health conditions. What I mean is, I most often identify as someone with fibromyalgia and downplay my other conditions. Today, I decided I’d write about it, not...
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11 Pandemic Trends People with Disabilities Want to Keep

13 May
In my home state of Pennsylvania, signs of the COVID-19 pandemic are finally fading away. Governor Wolf has lifted many of the restrictions, such as capacity limits in businesses and no seating at bars, meanwhile promising to lift the mask...
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Why Asking “How can I help?” is Problematic (and Tips to Rephrase)

23 Apr
“Is there anything I can do?” It’s a common question from caring people. We ask it when someone is stressed. We ask when someone is grieving. The caring people in my life ask when one of my chronic conditions is...
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