Columns

Be Careful What You Say and Do!

My wife and I learned early to be careful when discussing the struggles we share in caregiving. Sometimes we get tired and want to complain, but we must remember that our children hear and see us. If we say something in total frustration, our children might blame themselves…

Ready, Set … Off to the Hospital?!

So, we are in the car. Everyone is in their respective seats. We are all looking forward to our vacation. The car is filled with suitcases and excitement. Then, I hear the dreaded sentence from my youngest boy: “Daddy, my leg hurts.” My wife and I look at…

The Struggles of Dating with a Chronic Illness

Looking at myself now, my younger self never would have expected me to be where I am. Recalling my younger years, I remember having anxiety about being alone when I grew up. I always thought I’d have a hard time finding a partner and that my dating life would be…

The Unique MacDonald Family Vocabulary

Every family speaks their own language. Mine certainly does. It is like a secret code that is unbreakable outside of our house, used to inform family members how we feel about an issue or event. It is done so subtly that no one else is aware of the information…

Why Am I So Angry?

In past columns, I discussed my frustrations when anger rears its ugly head out of the shadows of my consciousness and takes hold of me. It isn’t pretty, nor is it the best choice to make. I wasn’t prepared to handle the overwhelming emotions that came over…