I would be lying if I did not feel any confusion or emotional disturbance from receiving a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. As I recall, I was with my unit in the Army, sitting at a table awaiting a leader’s meeting. The doctor called, and I answered, of course receiving bad news. I began to have […]
Just Survive, Warrior. Read More »
Caves, shadows, and rings. In his 1955 article for his high school newspaper, The Spectrum, Hunter S. Thompson wrote that “Security” was “another word for rut.” From what I have seen in my 10 years of higher education and 3+ years of teaching anywhere from 11 year-olds to 65 year-olds, I have found the most common
The Gollum Conundrum Read More »
In the darkness of your broken nightlight, you whispered stories to yourself until you fell asleep. Ogres and wolves were all that haunted your dreams. Monsters were slain with swords and tricks by a hero, clever and brave, quick on his feet, everything you were supposed to be. You shot up like a beanstalk, left
No reading, no television, no physical exertion or mental strain, plus no work for at least a month, possibly more–this was my prescription after I suffered my eighth concussion in six years. My neurologist told me to check back in after taking time off work and asked me to investigate disability options in case I
The Serious Impact of Concussions Read More »
I grew up watching reenactments of emergencies on television shows like ER and Grey’s Anatomy. I was certain working in an Emergency Room was where I would pursue my career. As of today, I am an Emergency Medical Technician in a Level III Trauma Center. However, after watching actors play doctors and nurses on TV
The scrape of laughter fills the bar & preying, prying eyes behind shot glasses leer as she ventures in— dainty fingers quiver, holding a virgin pen. She signs then passes to a confident meaty hand & a variegated band of voices begins to create a list. She stands, goes first— steps over snickers to stage