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.
If there’s one thing that moves me to tears, it’s sharing the love I have for my sons. I think of the million and one directions that once lay before me and how I chose to follow my heart, marry the love and joy of my life, and raise children.
Today started out like most any other day. I walked into the room of my youngest son, Caeleb, to wake him up to get ready for school. I love the ritual of turning on the lights and singing a familiar tune to my family. As I began, however, I found…
This week, my youngest son, Caeleb, visited the pediatric clinic for his last comprehensive exam there. My mind went in a million directions as I recalled meeting his hematologist, Shirley Abraham, MD. She witnessed the tough times when my son struggled through many painful spontaneous bleeding episodes because…
My oldest son, Julian, possesses many talents. Last August, he moved back home to save some money. He continues auditioning for theaters, hoping to make a living as a professional entertainer. I’m a little biased (OK, a lot), but his voice is in tip-top condition, and he can adequately compete…
As we begin a new year, I can’t help but feel the power of hope permeate the air as conversations turn to new opportunities. Those of us in the bleeding disorders community long for new treatments that offer possibilities for a better quality of life. We pray that the…
The holiday season is upon us. Often, we have our meal around a table with people we love, and we give thanks for one another’s company. The holidays are all about rituals — preparing feasts, gathering to exchange gifts, and focusing on the things that unite us. Year after…
Some years back, my two sons packed their suitcases and Caeleb, the youngest, said, “All right, it’s time to go on a Daddy-and-son madcap adventure.” My wife had a speaking engagement out of town, which meant the MacDonald boys were going to set out on their own, together on the…
The past three weeks have been busy ones in the life of my church family. Since the middle of last month, I’ve performed four funerals and a wedding and led a critical church conference. These events have had emotional consequences. My anxiety level continues to be high as I navigate…
I turned on the light in my son Caeleb’s room and began my morning concert of songs to wake him up. My top 10 hits (including “Good Morning Starshine,” “Rise and Shine,” and “Good Morning” from “Bear in the Big Blue House”) fuel my soul with energy, though my 17-year-old…
Last week, I attended a clergy retreat at Sacramento Camp & Conference Center, in the southern mountains of New Mexico. We experienced clear blue skies and mild temperatures, as well as moments of self-reflection. One day I hiked to the top of a mountain, standing in awe of…
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