Columns

Adding 4 more legs to the 26 already in my family

For years, I told the kids we couldn’t get another dog unless something happened to the two we already had. I did not want three dogs! I didn’t have room for that! Yet we now have a new puppy. My life is bursting at the seams most days, given that…

Going it alone has gotten harder as my FSHD progresses

I’ve been on my own for the past 10 days while my wife, Wendy, and daughter Jill have been vacationing in Iceland. It’s been challenging. A couple years ago, when Wendy and Jill traveled to Croatia, Greece, and Slovenia, I wrote a column titled “Good to know that I…

Celebrating a long-in-the-works family music songfest

I’m a musician, and so are my brothers, Ron and Tim. We’ve all played professionally, but it’s been a long time since we’ve played together. That changed last month, but let me explain why it was such an event. Back in the late ’70s we were part of the…

On the importance of human connection

There is power in connection. As humans, we all learn this truth at a young age, starting with the people around us when we’re little: our family. As we grow, we connect with other kids at school, in church, and elsewhere in the community, and just by existing every day.

Disabled artists’ challenges can propel creative solutions

As an artist with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), I’ve long recognized how creativity can foster meaningful connection, perhaps especially when rooted in design that’s accessible and inclusive. My partner, Amanda, and I recently spoke at GovTech’s Inclusive Design Week 2025 here in Singapore as part of the closing panel…

A weekend trip with my family stirred up mixed feelings

Last summer, I wrote a column about my beach vacation with my family. It was an incredible trip, but I had my doubts about future travel. With my facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) progression accelerating, I had to acknowledge that future travel might be difficult, if not impossible. My daughter…