As I scroll through social media posts and hear stories of various emotional responses to the Covid-19 Quarantine, I have been surprised to be confronted with an aspect of isolation I had not considered. It never occurred to me that limiting social contact would have a profound effect on so many. Even with the presence…
America’s Subnational Gov’ts and Confusion
There are both advantages and disadvantages of America’s many levels of subnational governments. Subnational governments allow for a more tailored approach to law in various geographic locations. Laws that are needed for snow removal or Amish buggies in PA are not really relevant in AL, for instance. It is very difficult to take one cookie-cutter…
Lighten Up!
My husband came across a motion-sensitive light bulb recently and purchased it for trial. Whenever I walk into the kitchen I must stop, remove my arm from my crutch, turn on the light switch, pick up my crutch, proceed. The same process occurs when I leave the kitchen. Sometimes I cheat and try to hoist…
Was the Bill of Rights Necessary?
With hindsight being 20/20, I feel that the Bill of Rights was a necessary amendment to the Constitution. There are so many social issues today that are only cleared up by these amendments that I daresay our struggle for freedom would be much greater. I do wonder, however, if the Bill of Rights had not…
From the Ground Up
I was challenged in February to think creatively about my personal journey and capture that in a selfie. I’m not a very abstract thinker but a few days before the deadline, I walked out my front door and right in front of me was the most starkly green, out of place, ugly weed I’ve ever…
The Case for a Classic Ending
“A classic is something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read.” Mark Twain In our current popular culture of music, literature, and even film, there is a demand for satisfaction and I daresay there seems to be unspoken demands for only happy endings. Movies seem to have all loose ends tied…
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Changes in seasons, particularly winter months, can be a catalyst for trauma symptoms to resurface or even for survivors to feel like they are regressing suddenly. The appearance of regression will often bring a survivor down and discourage them to stop their journey or counseling altogether due to depression or simply giving up for a…
Public Whispers, Relations, and Funerals
*This article is not an attempt to disrespect, dishonor, or otherwise offend the loved ones of deceased, or the deceased. This is strictly a story of humor. I believe that as believers there is life with and through Jesus Christ and that allows me the strength to look objectively at an event that I do…
The Best You’ll Ever Have – In Crutches
In 2005 it was decided that I would be thereafter limited to using crutches for most mobility and function. I was referred by a fellow amputee friend to check out Thomas Fetterman’s crutches, and several prosthetists confirmed they were the best that money could buy. My mom helped measure me for a custom fit of…
Can Family & Friends Suffer from Secondary Trauma?
Secondary traumatic stress is a risk when we support and engage wholeheartedly with a trauma survivor. More recently, secondary traumatic stress has come to the front as an issue separate from burnout, and it should be addressed. While burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by long-term involvement in emotionally demanding…
