Many kids hate the end of summer, which brings a return to school. I was never one of those kids. I’ve been a nerd since kindergarten. I loved — and still do — the start of the new school year. The scent of newly waxed floors and the sight of…
The exceptionally hot summer weather in Texas, where I live, has made life for unhoused people more difficult than usual. It’s troubling to see so many people standing outside in the heat at stoplights or camping under overpasses. Two weeks ago, I broke free from the record high temperatures…
The limitations and frustrations that accompany life with myasthenia gravis (MG) have dominated my thinking the past few weeks. I wish I could say I’ve gleaned inspiration from the experience, but I can’t. It’s one of those times when MG has taken from me and failed to give anything…
As a historian and teacher, I often make connections between current events and the past. Because I also live with myasthenia gravis (MG), recent events called to mind a connection between the past and MG. In June, the Titan submersible imploded, resulting in the deaths of all five…
If I’m not careful, myasthenia gravis (MG) will take control of areas of my life I don’t want it to. I’m not referring to the daily exercise regimens or the employment challenges, but rather my interactions with others. In phone conversations with family and friends, I sometimes catch myself…
When I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), I thought I understood the illness. The years since have been eye-opening. My MG has spiraled out of control several times. On those trying days, I wondered, “Why me?” I think I’ve finally found an answer to this question. After…
Each day we try to make sense out of seemingly random events. We do this at both an individual and societal level. It’s seen in the creation stories found in all cultures. The Egyptians believed the world was created by the sun god Ra. The Romans believed their…
On Oct. 10, 1935, the classic of American theater “Porgy and Bess” opened on Broadway. The show was not an instant success. Its first run ended after only 124 performances. Despite this, it went on to become an iconic part of American theater. “Porgy and Bess” demonstrates how…
I’ve learned many lessons about living a happy life. Among the most valuable is the ability to recognize the absurdities daily life can toss our way. I believe we can choose to laugh at these absurdities and prevent them from gaining power over us. We can model the queen in…
“Useless, useless.” Those were the last words of President Abraham Lincoln’s murderer. After killing Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth fled Washington, D.C. A 12-day manhunt ensued. On April 26, 1865, federal troops cornered Booth in a northern Virginia barn. Military orders were to return him to Washington, D.C., for trial. Against…
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