When I was in high school, I came across a Harvard journal article about Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome. I read pages and pages of research about a three year old female with a misshapen, port-wine stain covered upper body. “How weird,” I thought as I examined a picture of the little girl’s hands. “They look just... Continue Reading →
Do you usually think about how to open a door before you walk through it? When you’re at a coffee shop, do you think about how you’re going to grab your coffee, receipt, and change all at once? As the Lord’s Supper tray comes toward you at church, do you think about how you’re going... Continue Reading →
After 23 years with these hands and arms, I have developed creative ways around obstacles. And yet, there are some obstacles I need help getting around. For example, I have trouble opening any type of bottle. I struggle when I’m cutting my own food. I cannot open a bag of chips unless I use my... Continue Reading →
“Finding out that your child is going to be born with life-threatening struggles is beyond overwhelming. How did I feel? I cannot explain the devastation that I felt. I could not bear the thought of losing her, nor could I bear the thought of her suffering. So I started to pray and plead to God.... Continue Reading →
I’m never hurt or bothered when a friend kindly asks me about my syndrome. However, I have been hurt by strangers and friends alike -- both children and adults -- who have chosen to insensitively ask questions or make rude remarks about my anatomy. Words matter. Questions and conversations can be hurtful or encouraging based... Continue Reading →
Growing in the Groaning 