This week, Carrie Fisher, along with her mother, Debbie Reynolds, told her story on Oprah. Most famous for the role of Princess Leia of the Star Wars movies, Carrie suffers from serious mental illness that requires regular electroshock therapy as well as daily psychiatric medication. She described how the shock therapy “blows apart the cement” …
Author Archives: Karen
Everyday Valentines
“I’m having more irritation and discharge than I expected.” Yesterday, after cataract surgery, I’d called the ophthalmologist’s nurse. I hadn’t met Judy before. ”Have you taken Tylenol, sweetie?” Her endearment put a smile on my face. “Yes, but it’s still painful. Is this pain and discharge normal?” That’s all I needed. “I think so. The doctor is …
Through Danger and Toil
The day has come. Today is the last day of Jerry’s work with the city. For almost thirty years, as both an electrician and a parking meter technician, he has faithfully toiled to serve the people of Urbana. A Valentine’s day, 1990, ice storm injured his back, but it was the accident on July 7, …