FAP News Today Columns

January 12, 2022January 12, 2022

Warm Weather Brings Both Discomfort and Gratitude

COVID-19 Columns, FAP News Today Columns

We have had warm summer weather here in Auckland, New Zealand, the City of Sails. It’s been clear and sunny, and many are hitting the beaches just 20 minutes from ... Read more

January 5, 2022January 5, 2022

As a Caregiver, I Want to Be Mindful When Misunderstandings Happen

FAP News Today Columns

A few days before the new year, I cleaned my backyard deck and accidentally toppled a cactus plant onto my foot. While I walked away relatively unscathed, a week later, ... Read more

December 29, 2021December 29, 2021

We Must Make Lasting Memories, Through Whatever Trials We Face

FAP News Today Columns

Our Christmas tree is almost 24 years old, and it has traveled the world with us. I still remember the day I went shopping for it. We lived in St. ... Read more

December 22, 2021December 22, 2021

I’m Heading Into the New Year With an Attitude of Gratitude

COVID-19 Columns, FAP News Today Columns

As we head into the Christmas season, I want to be mindful that not all of my readers celebrate the holiday. Additionally, I know not everyone is looking forward to ... Read more

December 15, 2021December 15, 2021

I’m Bringing Christmas Joy, Despite the Challenges We Face

COVID-19 Columns, FAP News Today Columns

I am adamant about not letting the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing issues with my husband’s health dampen our Christmas spirit. This year, I have decided to do a little ... Read more

December 8, 2021December 8, 2021

Finding Meaning in Life With a Genetic Disease

FAP News Today Columns

My husband Aubrey’s hereditary ATTR amyloidosis journey is included in a forthcoming book titled “Rare Disease Drug Development: Clinical, Scientific, Patient, and Caregiver Perspectives.” He feels very touched that the ... Read more

December 1, 2021December 1, 2021

I’m Embracing Optimism as We Approach the New Year

COVID-19 Columns, FAP News Today Columns

2021 has been a character-building year for me. I experienced challenges like never before, and I’m not just referring to the ones associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, I ... Read more

November 24, 2021November 24, 2021

Why Intentionality Matters When Spending Time With an Ill Loved One

FAP News Today Columns

I spent half the morning figuring out our plan for Christmas. In recent years, it’s been a tradition for the whole family — including pets and my children’s partners — ... Read more

November 17, 2021November 17, 2021

Staying Hopeful as a Caregiver While Confronting the Important Issues

FAP News Today Columns

This is my 48th column since I began this providential opportunity as a writer at FAP News Today. To be given the platform to share my journey as a caregiver ... Read more

November 10, 2021November 10, 2021

I’ve Experienced 3 Phases of Caregiving

FAP News Today Columns

Life experience plays an integral role in shaping our behavior and thinking. I have come a long way from being an unsettled 18-year-old to a wiser and more focused woman ... Read more

November 3, 2021November 3, 2021

Even Before the Pandemic, We Knew Social Distancing and Isolation

COVID-19 Columns, FAP News Today Columns

New Zealand was largely able to avoid the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, until now. The contagious nature of the delta variant and the high number of cases have placed ... Read more

October 27, 2021October 27, 2021

Cooking Videos Are Helping My Husband Beat His Food Aversion

FAP News Today Columns

My husband, Aubrey, has begun watching cooking videos on YouTube to overcome an aversion to food and eating. We are both from Malaysia, where food and eating are central to ... Read more

October 20, 2021October 20, 2021

The Importance of Making Memories and Spending Time With My Husband

COVID-19 Columns, FAP News Today Columns

As we enter the second half of October, I’m not quite sure how the end of the year has arrived so quickly. Time flies while caregiving. I care for my ... Read more

October 13, 2021October 13, 2021

Searching for Activities to Do With a Sick Loved One

COVID-19 Columns, FAP News Today Columns

To all my fellow caregivers, I want you to know that I understand what you are going through, and I am cheering you on. After eight years on this journey ... Read more

October 6, 2021October 6, 2021

Why It May Be Beneficial to Talk With Loved Ones About Death

COVID-19 Columns, FAP News Today Columns

I lost my mother in May. Even as I type those words, I have not fully come to terms with it, as I have yet to receive closure. She passed ... Read more