Joe is the father of two sons with hemophilia. He and his wife, Cazandra, are active members in the bleeding disorders community and often facilitate workshops both locally and nationally. Joe is a pastor in the United Methodist Church and writes a blog about spirituality and faith. You may follow his blog at www.joekmac.com.
I tell my sons that I love them every day and at the end of every conversation. I can count on one hand the number of days I haven’t spoken to them. However, sometimes I fear my words fall on deaf ears, as my pronouncement of devotion may sound repetitive…
I do not give up. It’s in my DNA to find answers to questions, even if it takes a long time. I hope my sons, who both have hemophilia, inherit this characteristic of seeking out answers. I pray they have the strength to never accept defeat. I tell them…
Today, as we take time to celebrate the gift of one another, I can’t help but think about the many trials my 16-year-old son, Caeleb, faced this year as a result of hemophilia. As a child, Caeleb struggled with frequent breakthrough bleeds, which have left him with excruciating…
My youngest son, Caeleb MacDonald, is a 16-year-old with hemophilia and chronic joint pain. Several times this year, the pain has become so intense that he cannot get out of bed. I cannot help but associate his new pain issues with his earlier years, when he suffered multiple…
On Monday, the preschool at my church celebrated Halloween, complete with little goblins, ghosts, and other assorted creatures. The children bragged about their costumes, saying, “Look, Pastor Joe, I’m a princess. Look, Pastor Joe, I’m a ferocious Samurai warrior.” They looked terrific, and I asked them if they wanted a…
Last week, I wrote about the bond I formed immediately with my oldest son, Julian. Caeleb, my youngest son, recently reminded me of the unique bond he and I share. Toward the end of her third trimester, my wife, Cazandra, started to experience complications, so her medical team admitted…
From the time my wife found out she was pregnant, we celebrated a ritual each evening until the birth of my oldest son, Julian. Before we kissed good night, I put my face to her belly and sang the song “For Baby (For Bobbie)” to him. Without seeing…
Recently, I opened an email from a company inviting me to share my insights regarding bleeding disorders and how my family handles the struggles of chronic illness. Before my sons were born, I think I would’ve hit the delete button without giving a similar invitation a second thought. But…
My son Caeleb participated in a marching band competition this past Saturday. He plays the keyboard in the pit so that he doesn’t have to move around on the field, which would cause intense pain. Many years of internal bleeding left no cartilage in my son’s damaged right…
I discovered that I have a talent unlike any other. I’m a world champion at throwing pity parties. When times get tough and I feel lost, all I must do is put a cone-shaped hat on my head and recognize my misfortune. My glum permeates the air as I raise…
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