Scarlett started her third and final year of preschool last week. Rob and I both brought her to the first day, like we have done every year, and took pictures in front of the building. What could provide a starker realization of how much my illness has changed our lives than images of my daughter growing up each year, while I become more disabled?

The first year, when she was two, I drove her to school and walked her into class, wearing flats to avoid tripping, but without any real difficulty. The next year, she was three, getting so much taller and talking all the time. I pushed a walker into the classroom, watched her play, and kissed her goodbye.

This year, I was the mom in the wheelchair. Read More>