HemoWife - a Column by Allyx Formalejo

Modern psychology often emphasizes the importance of letting go. In a world constantly pushing us to hold on tightly, learning to let go can be surprisingly liberating. As I get older, I’m realizing the significance of discerning what truly matters in life and cutting out the fluff. Our capacity…

My husband, Jared, is a capable person. He has a degree in business management and excelled in elementary and high school, consistently ranking at the top of his class. He’s an accomplished swimmer, an excellent cook, a decent handyman, and a wonderful dad. I’m not biased as his…

My husband, Jared, and I have a great connection. In the nine years we’ve been together — five as a married couple — we’ve never run out of things to say. Every day brings a new topic to discuss. Conversation flows easily between us, even if it’s about a controversial…

When a spouse or partner has a bleeding disorder like hemophilia, occasionally there may be situations that make us wonder if they are at fault for an injury they’re battling. Perhaps they went beyond their maximum physical capacity in sports or at work. Maybe they got caught up…

“Save the best for last” has been one of my major life philosophies since childhood. Growing up, I’d hoard beautiful pens, colored pencil sets, and other art materials. I’d use the cheap ones first while keeping the best ones in a drawer. I have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, so I tend to…

My 4-year-old daughter, Cittie, recently invented a song about her dad. It’s sung to a tune that’s quite popular in children’s short videos, with the words “Daddy is a bleedy boy.” When my husband, Jared, heard it for the first time, he cracked up. He’s often referred to himself as…

My husband, Jared, is an avid eater. He’s especially fond of meaty dishes like pizza, barbecue, and steaks. He’d never pass up the chance to try a new restaurant, unique meal, or a different country’s cuisine. (No wonder he also loves to experiment in the kitchen!) There’s just one…

The power of music cannot be underestimated. Its universality has the ability to connect people across places and cultures. Many people also find music healing. They can find solace in lyrics and melodies that evoke pleasant emotions or that mirror their emotional states. Why does this happen? Music activates particular…

Pain can alter people’s behavior, causing them to act out in unusual ways. People experiencing a severe degree of pain may hurt others emotionally or physically, often without meaning to. They might say demeaning things to their caregivers while in the throes of pain, even if they’re normally calm,…

I like to believe that my husband, Jared, and I have a fulfilling marriage and family life, even with chronic illness. Each day, we make intentional choices that align with what we value most: living a full and happy life. Jared has two chronic illnesses, hemophilia B and…