Blogs
The Strength of Living with a Disability
It’s 3am, and I’ve been tossing and turning. My mind won’t stop racing -- thoughts of what it would be like if I didn’t have a disability. I can see myself walking on the beach on Cape Cod, my happy place. As I stand, I can feel the sand in between my toes. I feel...
Feeling Like a Kid Again
Inclusion for all, from youth to adulthood, is utterly vital. It’s a beautiful day in Cape Cod. It’s 78 degrees and sunny; there isn’t a cloud in the sky. My brother, his family and I are staying at our late father’s cottage in South Yarmouth, celebrating Father’s Day...
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...
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...
Retethered Yet Again
I opened my door today to see a blue and white package. I grabbed it and wheeled to my kitchen table. It was a copy of my first book: “An Untethered Truth: A Medical Journey.” I picked it up and smiled, in awe and disbelief. “Holy cow, I did it; I’m a published...
First Night Home
I was discharged from rehab at 11:00 a.m., and one of my childhood best friends, Ashley, picked me up. She and I stopped at Dunkin Donuts to get iced coffees to celebrate that I’m finally coming home. I live in Stoughton, Massachusetts, about forty-five minutes away...
Gratitude: Day of Discharge
As I lay in bed, I look out the window and see the water; it looks peaceful and calm. As I write, I hear an airplane fly past me. It’s 7:21 a.m. on September 30, 2021. Today, I’m being discharged from rehab and going home. I smile as I write this. It’s been a long...
Returning to Painting
Working with a recreational therapist, I was having a harder day with my back. But I wanted to work with her. She brought paints in my room and a vase to paint. The vase was a copper color. I had shared with her that one of my goals was to sit up and paint again,...