Rest: Practicing What I Preach about Self-Care
For months I’ve been going. Going. Going. I was exhausted. I knew I needed a rest. Not just sleep (which I was getting), but a break from the constantness of life. I guess I still haven’t learned the lessons from Rosie about self-care that I wrote about in this article
Peer Mentors: The Power of Roll Models in Life with a Spinal Cord Injury
Throughout decades with a spinal cord injury, peer mentors have taught me the “tricks of the trade” of transfers, bladder and bowel care, dressing, the importance of sports and staying active, among other things. I now enjoy walking (or rolling) with others on this journey as a peer mentor as
How Do I Celebrate the Anniversary of my Spinal Cord Injury?
How do I celebrate the anniversary of my spinal cord injury? It’s a question I hear over and over. I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all approach to this question. The way in which someone commemorates, celebrates, or chooses to ignore their anniversary will vary. If a person’s life was in
Simone Biles, a Pressure Cooker, and One Thing I’m Sure Of
A high-pressure environment can be difficult for anyone to manage. Add in an internal burden for perfection you place on yourself to millions of people expecting perfection from you. Now be placed under the microscope of international coverage. Teammates and commentators call you by your nickname, the GOAT (Greatest of
To Moms of Children with Spinal Cord Injuries
On my birthday several years ago, my thoughts turned to my mom. I realized at 45, my mom was three years into having a 19-year-old daughter with a spinal cord injury. She had seen me through three surgeries: a spinal fusion, removal of bladder stones, and the placement of a
How I Lost and Found My Identity
According to Merriam-Webster, identity is defined as “who someone is; the distinguishing character or personality of an individual.” Is it possible to lose your identity? I believe it is. I lost my identity after my spinal cord injury. My identity I began tumbling and dance class at age 3. By first grade,
What Can I Do When I’m Confined?
Whether a person is confined due to COVID restrictions or trying to heal a pressure sore while in bed, I often read, “What can I do all day long?” I’m experiencing 2020 with the rest of you. In addition, I’ve survived three skin flap surgeries which required months in bed
An Unexpected Visit from Grief after Spinal Cord Injury
Grief was the last thing on my mind. It had simply been a long day. Physically, emotionally, and mentally I was drained. Life with a spinal cord injury can do that to a person. Although I’d been listening to an audio book to unwind, even that felt too taxing on
A Timely and Short Discourse on Grief
I’m not one to get weepy very often, but between the death of my aunt and two men from my circle of friends with spinal cord injuries, 11 weeks of isolation, the current racial tensions ravaging our nation, as well as an increased workload, I feel frail and broken. But how
The Surprise I Felt When I Experienced Ableism Firsthand
Over the past few years I have heard a new-to-me word used by people in the disability community: ableism. Another –ism? I understand racism. And sexism. But ableism?
Jenny Smith
After a spinal cord injury at 16, I discovered that a wheelchair could take me places I never dared to imagined.
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How I Can Tweeze My Eyebrows as a Quad
What is a pressure sore? (Video)
Quadly Cooking: Middle Eastern Chili (Video)
How Does a Quad Put in Contacts?
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