Blogs
Below are blogs that have been written since my last operation. I start with a tribute to my late father Bob Coval.
How to Feel Like the Best Version of Yourself Every Day.
This piece is a guest blog post from Cheryl Conklin. She gives great suggestions for how you can feel good about yourself everyday. Her motto is, "wellness is central to a happy life." You can connect with Cheryl at cherylc@wellnesscentral.info. We often get caught up...
Misconceptions of People with Disabilities (PWD)
July was disability pride month – promotion of awareness of disabilities as an identity, a community, and a culture. On July 26, 1990, former president George Bush passed The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a civil rights law that forbids...
Dear Dad
Dear Dad, It’s June 14, 2022. Today marks four months since you’ve left this earth. I miss you so much. I miss hearing your voice, especially your laugh. It was so distinct and contagious. I would do anything to talk to you one more time. It still doesn’t feel real...
Mental Health: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
Last month was Mental Health Awareness Month. According to Mental Health America, close to 20% of adults suffer from mental illness(es), about 50 million. Mental health doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone. There’s no shame talking about mental health; in fact,...
The Hero of My Life: Robert Lloyd Coval
My father, Bob Coval, was my hero. He was my rock, and the person I leaned on most. He always encouraged me to never allow my disabilities to stop me from pursuing my dreams, to never give up. He was there when I published my first book, “An Untethered Truth, A...
Listening to Your Body
Physical therapy started at 9:00 a.m., and I knew I wasn’t feeling right. With help, I got dressed, got my shoes on, and put on my back brace. My physical therapist helped me transfer to my wheelchair. There are two physical therapists working with me. While I’m...
Pain Management
I look outside the window. The sun is shining, and boats pass by on the water. The water is flat, peaceful; there’s so much beauty outside my window. I’m in a lot of pain. I can feel the surgical work my surgeon did to my back, something I don’t wish for anyone to...
Celebrating Little Wins
It’s 5:50 a.m. and I can’t sleep. I feel drained and exhausted. To the left of me is a window overlooking the Charlestown Navy Yard. I can see the reflection of the water; it looks peaceful and calming. It’s still dark out. However, you can see the cars drive by. I...
Thirteen Days Out of Neurosurgery: Mind Over Matter
Today I sat up for an hour, something I’m extremely proud of. It's September 6, 2021. It took three people to help me transfer, as I’m unable to feel my legs. At the moment, I’m unable to use them at all, so I have to rely on others to help me move. Before I transfer,...
Sitting Up in a Recliner: Gratitude
I’m in my hospital room sitting up in a recliner chair. I have an IV in each arm and am wrapped up in a fleece blanket that I brought from home. It’s red and black with white paw prints. I made this blanket for my grandmother years ago. When she passed away, I kept...