A blind date with a book encourages me to dust off my social life

I’m going on a blind date!

I should mention that it is with a book. Regular readers of my column will know that I am happily married to Jason, my husband of nearly 25 years.

I got the idea a couple of weeks ago after visiting an antique mall where books were being sold. They were wrapped in brown paper bags and had the words “blind date with a book” written across them in marker, along with a clue.

I instantly loved the idea of buying a book without seeing the cover or reading the description. I bought one that had “historical fiction/Native American” written on it. Inside the folds of the wrapping paper were bookmarks, stickers, and even a tea bag.

I haven’t read the book I bought yet, but it sparked an idea. I thought it would be fun to do a “blind date” book exchange with friends. Here’s the thing, though: Over the last decade, I’ve lost many friends. Life happened in a big way as my three sons were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and my social life withered away.

The people I called friends when my children were diagnosed are still friends, but my life changed, and it changed me. I became consumed with everything Duchenne. I studied everything I could, obsessed over little details, and for many years, grieved everything my sons would never do and every ability they would lose. That didn’t leave time to go out to dinner with friends, stay involved in a book club, or even make it to a workout class.

Recommended Reading

February 19, 2026 News by Marisa Wexler, MS

New gene therapy for OPMD shows lasting success in small US trial

Ready for change

I’ve learned a lot since those first years after their diagnoses. I don’t stress and obsess the way I used to. But in the last decade, the disease has progressed, and my two oldest sons have stopped walking, while my youngest will be off his feet soon. I shower them, get them out of and into bed, help with the bathroom, and manage their medications and appointments. I am a full-time caregiver to three young men.

Along with my three sons with Duchenne, Jason and I share four other children, ranging in age from 24 to 4. We have a modest ranch-style home, and there are more of us than there is space. I am too busy as a mom and caregiver to spend time with friends.

I am never alone, trust me! But sometimes I get lonely for friends. I have several Duchenne moms that I call friends, and we communicate regularly, but we mostly talk about Duchenne. I live it and write about it, but sometimes I want a break from it.

I have neighbors and former co-workers I text with and talk to on the sidewalk when the weather is nice, but I don’t go anywhere with friends.

I’m ready for that to change. When I can have my husband or another caregiver help with my sons, I’d like to be more social. However, I understand that I still won’t have much time.

Turning the page

So I’ve decided to go out of my comfort zone. On social media, I asked if any local friends would be interested in a blind date via book exchange, and a dozen responded, so I’m planning an exchange for next week.

I’m keeping it easy. No one is buying a book; we are all avid readers and have piles of books lying around. We each will pick a book, wrap it, and write a clue on the wrapping paper. We’re meeting at a coffee shop because I didn’t want to host or ask someone else to do it. Group members can stay and talk over coffee or simply pick out a book and leave.

I organized it, and the best I could do was find a time sandwiched between an orthodontist appointment and swimming lessons. I’m still excited for a quick coffee and a new book with adults who also enjoy reading. If it goes well, we will plan another occasionally.

It’s small, but manageable, and I’m proud of myself for doing one more thing. But this time, it’s one more thing just for me, helping me get back a piece of me I let go years ago, when I wasn’t capable of more than figuring out Duchenne.

Note: Muscular Dystrophy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Muscular Dystrophy News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to muscular dystrophy.