Hemophilia 24/7 - a Column by Cazandra Campos-MacDonald

In the early days of a diagnosis, emotions run wild. Anxiety, helplessness, and anger are a few feelings that cloud the mind, and it’s difficult to even begin to understand what lies ahead. In 1996, my first son, Julian, was born and diagnosed with severe hemophilia A. In…

I recently read a story about a family who drove to Nevada from Florida, hoping to get home for Christmas. Their flights had been canceled several times, so instead of spending the holiday at home with family, they spent several days on the road. Unexpected airline issues thwarted their plans.

A cursor blinking on a blank page. A fresh blanket of snow. A blank canvas with new paint ready to be used. Like these images, the new year represents a blank slate and hope for what’s to come. Many people make New Year’s resolutions, such as losing weight, exercising more,…

I am not a fan of roller coasters. Dropping straight down in a car on a wooden track makes me feel like my heart has left my body. Why would anyone want to feel that way? However, I have one exception: the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith…

An excellent sitcom in the late 1970s and early ’80s featured the character Herb Tarlek, played by Frank Bonner. Fans of “WKRP in Cincinnati” will remember how Tarlek, a sales manager, would do anything necessary to secure advertising for his radio station, such as soliciting ads from outrageous…

I spend a lot of time in the kitchen during the holiday season. I enjoy creating my favorite dishes and finding new and exciting recipes. Many people follow recipes strictly, but I find joy in realizing they’re more of a guide than an exact science. Using a guide to cook…

During November, many people participate in daily gratitude challenges on social media. Finding something to give thanks for is easier on some days than others. Some seasons are filled with grateful moments, while others are filled with grief, sorrow, and exhaustion. My youngest son, Caeleb, is 16 years old…

I like my cabinets neatly arranged. But the kitchen cabinets are often hit-or-miss in the organization department. For example, the cabinets that house plastic lids and containers can be treacherous. When organized, the cabinet allows us to see what’s available. Every cover matches its proper container, and items sit neatly…

There’s a freedom children have when they swing. Sometimes they need a little push, but before long, they learn how to push themselves. The sounds of chains squeaking and shoes scraping the dirt are imprinted in my mind. Swinging higher and higher is always the goal. Hair flies in the…

Growing up in Texas meant Friday night football games. It’s a religion there. As a girl in elementary school, I’d go with my family to games — not so much to watch football as to see the halftime show. But I found myself enamored with the cheerleaders. They were athletic…