OutSpoken - a Column by James Clingman

“Find the victory in this.” For nearly three decades, I’ve carried these five provocative words in my mind. Like my life, their meaning to me has evolved over time. I first heard them spoken at the funeral of a young woman, and the comment was directed to her 15-year-old son,…

Just when we think life has dealt us the worst hand possible, along comes someone whose circumstances make ours look a little less daunting. I’ve experienced that feeling a few times in a support group I attend and when online. But one of the most difficult hands I’ve seen in…

I contend that most people diagnosed with physically debilitating illnesses later in life previously had a favorite activity that consumed much of their time. Cycling was that for me. My cycling life ended nine years ago, and even then, I reluctantly stopped because of my inability to unlock my…

Often, as we discuss the ravages of disease, we give short shrift to one of the most vital aspects of debilitating illnesses like ALS. We offer our sympathy, prayers, money, remedies, and sentiments, which are all very positive and appreciated. What’s missing, though? A little imagination and a broader…

I was an avid cyclist in the warm months, and in the winter months in Cincinnati, I was a league bowler. But in late 2009, I started falling as I released my bowling ball, which turned out to be because of weakness in my left leg. After seeing an orthopedic…