Social media. You either love it or hate it. I must confess that I am guilty of wasting time on Facebook and Twitter, but I have used these outlets as a means of support on more than a few occasions. In the bleeding disorder community, several Facebook groups…
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My wife and I sat by the pool and watched our 3-year-old super fish glide through the water. The skill he displayed with a set of floaties wrapped around his arms took our breath away. Our son became one with the water as he swam across the bright blue surface.
New swimming trunks, sunscreen, cap, sleeping bag — gathering these items means it’s time for hemophilia camp! My son Caeleb is so excited that he is driving his dad and me a little crazy. Two years ago, he broke his wrist the night before camp and wasn’t…
When I was younger, my parents would tell me to date a particular “ideal” man. This man need not be good looking, but he’d better be a good guy — no questionable values, capable of getting along with my family — the perfect guy in the eyes of every Filipino…
I am originally from Texas, so I know the meaning of the word “team.” The Lone Star State reveres sports organizations like no other place in the country. Friday nights in the fall are overwhelmed with football, marching bands, and great times to visit with friends. Everyone gathers together with…
I am a musician who has played in orchestra pits, wind ensembles, chamber groups, and orchestras. I even played antiphonal oboe one Christmas! Music is powerful. It transforms you and allows you to escape for a few hours from the regular happenings of the day. However, most people…
Some of my most enjoyable moments are guy times with my boys. We laugh, we attempt to keep the house in order, and we succeed, despite ourselves. My sons, who have my blood running through their veins, remind me that life will be OK; that any problem can be solved,…
There are moments in life that seem to disappear, while others have burned into my memory. I can remember a moment that took place 20 years ago, and my heart rushes as though it happened only seconds ago. Sometimes that can be a good thing, but sometimes the…
Both of my sons have expressed frustration at having a bleeding disorder. After experiencing a problematic infusion, each has cried out, “I hate having hemophilia!” While they are almost 10 years apart, the same response lets me know that they are “getting it.” Sticking a needle in a child’s arm…
My mighty warrior Caeleb came home from school last week with a question. “Mom,” he asked, “my knee is really messed up, isn’t it?” I couldn’t see an injury, and so I asked him what he meant by “messed up.” “I can’t run really fast like everyone else in gym class,”…
