Mini-Series Description It is so hard to believe that it has already been one month since Kass and I welcomed our twin boys to this world. It’s even harder to believe that, if Kass had gone to full term, these boys would still be sitting comfortably in her womb. July 4th marked month one spentContinueContinue reading “Reflecting on My First Month as a Disabled Dad, Part 3”
Category Archives: LIFE
Reflecting on My First Month as a Disabled Dad, Part 2
Josh and his wife celebrate one month since the arrival of their twin boys, reflecting on the challenges of early parenthood and disability. After emotional hospital experiences, including Kass’s post-surgery recovery, they navigate life with their newborns in a Special Care Nursery. They anticipate their transition home, filled with mixed emotions.
Reflecting on My First Month as a Disabled Dad, Part 1
The author reflects on the emotional whirlwind of welcoming twin boys, Brody and Bennett, born prematurely at 34 weeks. The post details the chaotic yet joyful experience of their birth, the challenges faced in the NICU, and the author’s journey through parenthood, disability, and the deep bond forming with his sons during this time.
On Crying
The writer reflects on their inability to cry despite feeling a range of emotions. They explore emotional suppression, alexithymia, medication effects, trauma, and cultural conditioning as possible reasons. Drawing parallels with the concept of the “eightfold fence,” they recognize their emotional boundaries and express a desire for self-reflection and emotional release.
Giving Tuesday: How Volunteering Has Shaped My Life
Giving Tuesday, established in 2012, is a global day for generosity, occurring after Thanksgiving, to encourage support for meaningful causes. This movement fosters community involvement and philanthropy. The author shares personal experiences of receiving aid after injury, emphasizing the fulfillment found in giving back and the profound impact of collective generosity on individual lives.
Barbed Wire Sickness and the Psychology of Disability
Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” highlights his pioneering concept of Logotherapy, emphasizing the human pursuit of purpose even amidst suffering. The book draws parallels between “barbed wire sickness,” linked to wartime trauma, and the experiences of individuals with disabilities, illustrating how isolation affects mental health and underscoring the resilience derived from meaning.
The Hedonic Treadmill
Happiness is often fleeting, with individuals returning to a baseline emotional state regardless of life events, a concept called the hedonic treadmill. Studies show that both joyous milestones and significant setbacks lead to temporary emotional spikes, underlining our resilience. Embracing gratitude and meaningful experiences can enhance lasting well-being.
The ADA Turns 35
The 35th anniversary of the ADA highlights its role in prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensuring equal access. Personal experiences reveal how accessibility shapes independence, emphasizing that disability can affect anyone. The need for inclusivity extends beyond disabled individuals, benefiting everyone, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to advance these rights.
Empathy Is Not Weakness
The discussion surrounding the possibility of a cure for spinal cord injury raises complex emotions. While physical restoration is appealing, personal growth and newfound empathy gained from suffering are invaluable. Compassion is redefined as strength, as the author advocates for supporting vulnerable individuals despite societal narratives that dismiss such care as weakness or burden.
Navigating Life’s Challenges: Disability and Burnout
Living with a disability involves significant adaptation, facing daily challenges that can lead to burnout. Chronic pain and the emotional strain of self-advocacy contribute to this issue, affecting not only individuals but also caregivers. Acknowledging limits, seeking help, and promoting open discussions are crucial for recovery and well-being.