June 25 marks four years since I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG). Looking back brings to mind the ancient Greek dramatist Aeschylus, who observed that “he who learns must suffer. And even in our sleep pain, which cannot forget, falls drop by drop upon the…

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz). Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. “I dabbled in words and found they were my life,” Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh once wrote. I get…

Four years ago, I met up with a cousin who had recently moved to Texas. I hadn’t seen Margi since a Fourth of July celebration three years earlier. I’ve gotten to know her better over the years and have developed a love and respect for her that continues to bless…

Note: This column includes thoughts about suicide. Resources for help are listed at the end of the column. This week I did a self-inventory, as I’d become concerned about a few things. I noticed there are times when I sit in a chair, stare out the window, and do nothing.

“Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the son of man cometh.” — Matthew 25:13 These words have been at the forefront of my thoughts in the past few weeks, following the sudden deaths of two family members. The quote reminds us that everyone has…

One of my catchphrases, stolen from my father, is “there are worse things than being alone.” I’ve always known these were borrowed words, but yesterday’s Rare Disease Day provided the impetus I needed to discover their origins. As I reflected on what the awareness day meant to me, I…

I’ve learned that I have my best days when I maintain an optimistic, positive outlook. Some days the challenges of life with myasthenia gravis (MG) make such an outlook almost impossible. Emphasis on almost. I’ve developed a coping mechanism that I use when I struggle through such days,…

When I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) in 2020, I decided to find out all I could about the disease. I love to read, so I started with the written word. I got ahold of every book or article I could find and was hit with all…

I’ve always considered myself a patient man. One doesn’t succeed as a teacher without some degree of the trait. But the past four weeks have shown me that life with myasthenia gravis (MG) requires a level of patience I never thought I could achieve. I’ve learned that challenges…

Take away any religious connections, and the period from the end of November through the start of January is still the most festive time of the year. Decorating our homes, hosting and attending holiday gatherings, and giving gifts are some activities that make the season enjoyable. But they can also…

Every December, I perform a painful yet cathartic ritual: I find a quiet time free of intrusions and, with a glass of killer eggnog, sit down to listen to the musical “Les Misérables.” While doing so, I’ll recall events that occurred more than 30 years ago, which brings on…

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the past year’s blessings. It’s also a time to express gratitude for the people and things that make our lives meaningful and joyful. However, for some people, Thanksgiving can be a difficult and painful occasion. Those with chronic illnesses may feel isolated, depressed, or…