Columns

In a recent conversation with my husband, Jared, he dropped a bombshell. If he were given the chance to be rid of hemophilia entirely for the rest of his life, he said he’d hesitate to take it. He’d actually miss his current life with severe hemophilia B. My…

Note: This column shares a woman’s self-described experience administering herself factor despite a doctor’s advice. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping any therapy. For the first time, I attended the Coalition for Hemophilia B’s annual symposium, held late last month in Dallas. It was an enriching experience where…

Every year at the First United Methodist Church of Belen, New Mexico, where I serve as pastor, I present a Bible to those graduating from high school and/or college. I select one of its verses that I feel connects with each specific recipient, and then I read the…

I never understood why graduating from high school was such a big deal. I grew up in a home of educators, and getting good grades and attending college were expected. Not pursuing higher education was never a consideration. I excelled academically and enjoyed my high school years; they were some…

My husband, Jared, and I have written about the limited supply of clotting factor IX in the Philippines, where we live. Lately there’s been a greater shortage of that factor, which treats hemophilia B patients such as Jared. That cast a shadow over our hemophilia community’s recent annual…

Last week, as I was leaving the Coalition for Hemophilia B’s annual symposium in Dallas, I found myself in an Uber headed to the airport. Usually, I wouldn’t discuss my bleeding disorders — hemophilia B and von Willebrand disease — with strangers, but a chance encounter…

I walked into my home and heard my oldest son, Julian, having a heated conversation over the phone. He hung up and threw his phone down in absolute frustration. “What’s wrong?” I asked. He said, “How did you and Mom navigate hemophilia treatment with our health insurance company?…

My husband pastors the local First United Methodist Church, where I serve as a deacon. When a parent (or two) goes down the pastoral path, their children are along for the ride. Some preachers’ kids love church, and others, not so much. My youngest son, Caeleb, falls…

I recently came across a thought-provoking video featuring Betty Reid Soskin, a remarkable 102-year-old woman with a unique perspective on marriage. Throughout her long life, Soskin has embraced various roles, including daughter, wife, mother, casual songwriter, and, perhaps most notably, a ranger with the National Park Service until…

I’ve generally had an all-or-nothing mindset when it comes to working out. In the past, anything under 30 minutes would feel like a waste of time. The problem with my fitness regimen has been sustainability and consistency. However, I’ve found that starting slowly and gradually building up has been effective…