Name: Erin Solomon
Age: 45
Where do you call home? San Antonio, TX
Who do you live with? I live with my husband, our son, our former foster daughter, and her dad (who has become family).
What are some of your interests or hobbies? I enjoy arts and crafts and have created several reborn (life-like) baby dolls.
What is your education? I earned a B.A. for Interdisciplinary Education and was certified to teach Early Childhood-4th grade.
When were you first diagnosed with FA? I was finally diagnosed at 38. My symptoms began at age 23 or 24 with unsteady gait, random drop-falls, and feelings like my legs were in wet cement while walking.
What are some life hacks that you use daily to make life easier living with FA? I am stubborn! No one tells me I can’t do something. I will find a way. It might mean that I do it in a non-traditional way, I may ask for assistance with getting things to my level, or use “tools” to reach or move things. Sometimes tools can be grabbers or anything handy around me.
What has living with FA have taught you? Living with FA has kept me humble. While I have always been a patient and sympathetic person, I really feel since my FA diagnosis I am definitely more empathetic.
When FA gets you down, what makes you feel better? Sometimes in the moment it is hard to get out of the pity party, but it helps to count my blessings as they are.
What advice would you give to someone who has been newly diagnosed? Take a moment to mourn the life you wanted or should have had. It is ok. It is sad, but you can’t dwell on that. So, keep it brief and get back on the saddle. Life isn’t over. Push forward and remain positive. When you start feeling upset with your failing body, count the blessings you have. I’m also a Christian so of course I lean on my relationship with Jesus. I tell Him my frustrations, and I feel His hands of peace and comfort around me.
What are some things that you are struggling with now that you haven’t in the past? I don’t like to be venturing down this road, honestly. I find it depressing. I honestly don’t feel like I am struggling. I wish I didn’t have FA, but I would never have been a stay-home mom that homeschools my son. Wow! I like that change. I wish I could walk, but my mobility scooter is a blessing that has brought back freedom. I wish I could hear, but my hearing aids bring back so much.
What is one way living with FA has positively changed your life? I have met so many people and tried things I never thought I would do.
I have FA, but FA doesn’t have me. What does that statement mean to you? I seldom think about FA. Yes I have it. Yes my body slowly is progressing, but I am going to keep going. Every day I push forward to accomplish my daily goals. I am Erin, I have FA, but FA doesn’t dictate my life.
What is a favorite inspirational Quote you remember?
Romans 5:1-5 – Peace with God Through Faith
1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Interviewed by:
Michael Gambino