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...

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...