On My Own Two — Young Lee

My Chinese professor in college once told my class that according to popular belief, a person who hasn’t been to the Great Wall of China cannot yet call himself a man (or woman).  When I was…

A few months ago, because I’m on its mailing list, I received an email from the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation highlighting an opportunity to audition for a role in a Hallmark Christmas movie. The casting call described a need for a woman in her…

The trees in North Carolina are beautiful right now. I don’t even mind running into traffic during my commute to work these days. The trees that line the route are gorgeous draped in their autumn colors. But seeing nature’s beauty from the vantage of a car…

It’s the reason I wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the words “Charcot-Marie-Tooth” to begin with: to spread awareness and to encourage questions. But when I heard a voice behind me ask about CMT while I was standing…

Many folks are familiar with the saying that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a nice expression that refers to the fact that unfortunate circumstances are often temporary. But author and retired Navy SEAL David Goggins writes in his book, “Can’t Hurt…

I never considered myself high-strung or irritable until I entered a spa for the first time last weekend. The employees spoke in such hushed and relaxed tones that I felt hyperactive and tense by comparison.  I was there for a float therapy…

I last sat on my piano bench over a year ago. For most of the past year, I had been neglecting the bench’s original purpose by stacking library books and old notes on it. But a few days ago, I decided to clear it off, and ended up…

Is it wrong for me to say that I find Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) undesirable? Is it entirely due to internalized ableism when I say I wish I did not have CMT? When we talk about the problems…

I don’t like going to the gym. But, I like being at the gym. And I really love returning from the gym. I reconfirmed these facts last week. A few days ago, North Carolina relaxed some…

Thoughts and memories of recess games and gym classes rolled into my mind last week as I flipped through the pages of “The Ables,” a young adult novel by Jeremy Scott. It’s a story about a group of…

My paternal grandmother turned 97 this week. As much as I would have liked to be with her to celebrate her birthday, I’m trying to limit my in-person contact with the elderly during this chaotic time. But I’m glad my other family members and I were at least…

Although there are many words to describe the disabled experience, I’ve been thinking a lot about the word “wariness” this week. Many of us in the disabled community are indeed wary of many things. We go through great lengths to anticipate pitfalls, challenges, and risks in our everyday…