I met Carmen in Rock Steady Boxing, a program for people with Parkinson’s. She passed away and these are my thoughts. CARMEN THE BUTCHER At the market, her name meant precision, Carmen the butcher, knifesure, steady, proud. She knew every cut, every weight by heart, her hands reading bone and sinew like a language of skill and care. Then Parkinson’s came, quiet but relentless. It tested every muscle, stole the ease from her movements, but Carmen didn’t stop, she shifted h

I’ve learned to act, each morning when I open my eyes and remember the body I live in is not the one I used to know. Out there in the...

I visited the Butchart Gardens a year ago while visiting my twin brother and his Husband. These are my thoughts of memory. Butchart...

Bedroom window Birds try to sing— Swallowed by The clash outside: Engines roaring Horns shouting Sirens slicing air Dogs barking Leaves...

For as long as I can remember, I considered myself a Democrat. It wasn’t just a political label, it was a family tradition, passed down...

Masked figures Casual attire Unmarked ride Pushed him down To the asphalt Zip tied wrists Loaded in the van without a sign Vanished away...

At least four Arab countries, along with Israel, are in favor of dismantling Iran's nuclear program. I believe the U.S. should deploy...

Tikkun Olam, to Heal the World A guiding light in Jewish thought, A call to justice, peace, and care, To lift our neighbors, not just for...

In a corner of strength where hope intertwines, A gym stands ready, where courage shines. "Hope in Your Corner," a haven for all, With...

In shadows soft, my mother’s gone, Yet love’s embrace lingers on. With nieces bright and sisters fair, Cousins close, friends who care....

My first concert was Led Zeppelin, and the anticipation was palpable as I had no idea what to expect. It took place in 1973 outdoors at...

I’ve never participated in a medical study before, although I taught about them as an instructor in healthcare administration. In this...

For most healthy 68-year-olds, navigating the healthcare system can be frustrating. For individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease, it...

Flames lick at the sky, Ashes drift on restless winds, Despair's bitter breath. Fire’s fierce embrace roars, City lights dimmed by the...

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, I prefer to view them as goals. These goals might be achievable but can also be only partially...

Broadway has a unique way of capturing the human experience, and over the years, I’ve encountered many musicals that resonate deeply with...

I’m Ari, a spirited JackChi with a heart full of dreams—or at least, dreams full of squirrels! Last night, I found myself in a...

Part of the reason Democrats lost the election is that many Americans perceive the party as dominated by left-wing ideals and coastal...

In the complex tapestry of American politics, my choice not to support Donald Trump for President stems from deep-seated convictions...

Parkinson’s sucks—there’s no sugarcoating that. The tremors, the stiffness, the unpredictability of it all. Some days, just getting out...