I’ve been reading quite a bit of philosophy in my free time lately. Right now I’m reading the works of Seneca, a first-century Stoic philosopher. I’ve always been interested in Stoic philosophy and its teachings. As a field of study, Stoicism is concerned mainly with how humans can attain…
Stephanie was my foster child in the ’90s. She was the cutest little girl on the planet. With curly, bright-red hair and freckles, she had a charisma and charm that were hard to ignore. Stephanie was born with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. She developed full-blown AIDS when she…
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…
I spend a lot of time in the kitchen during the holiday season. I enjoy creating my favorite dishes and finding new and exciting recipes. Many people follow recipes strictly, but I find joy in realizing they’re more of a guide than an exact science. Using a guide to cook…
With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us are clamoring to buy gifts for the people we hold dear. But it can be hard to find gifts even for those closest to us. This is especially true if they’re easily satisfied or, on the other end of the spectrum,…
Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder. It leads to uncontrolled bleeding, hospitalizations, doctor visits, and the need for expensive medications. Bleeds result in costly absences from work and school. Receiving care at a federally funded hemophilia treatment center (HTC) is essential. Most hematologists focus on blood cancers or…
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…
During November, many people participate in daily gratitude challenges on social media. Finding something to give thanks for is easier on some days than others. Some seasons are filled with grateful moments, while others are filled with grief, sorrow, and exhaustion. My youngest son, Caeleb, is 16 years old…
Lately, I’ve been binge-watching the Korean TV drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo.” It tells the story of a young lawyer with autism and the challenges she encounters (and does her best to overcome) in her life, career, and relationships. I instantly got hooked on the show for two reasons.
Dear Hemophilia Dad, I am writing to you today to protect the health of your beloved daughter. Trust me, I know the struggles you encounter daily. In my mind, you are a superhero. Your daughter is at risk for hemophilia, too. She is a carrier and needs testing…
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