Columns

Many years ago, when hemophilia came into my family’s life, rearing its ugly head like a lion ready to devour its prey, we held on to anything we could. As the chaos of chronic illness overtook our lives, my wife and I made plans to help our children manage their…

As a parent, it is my responsibility to help my sons become productive, compassionate, caring individuals. My oldest son, Julian, is 25 and working to complete his college degree. He is on the cusp of transitioning to a new phase in life. In less than a year, he will…

I recently came across an NBC News Think essay about the oft-overlooked privilege of being able to focus on one’s studies while in college. It reminded me of how my parents supported me through my own college years, and how I failed to fully appreciate how fortunate I was…

When my youngest son was 4, he wanted to play baseball. My nerves were shaky as I took him to register for the fall season. I hoped he would enjoy playing the sport. When the first game of the season rolled around, my wife and I sat in the bleachers,…

My son Caeleb begins his sophomore year of high school in a few weeks. Before school starts, he will participate in summer band. Summer band was a highlight of my high school days. Even marching outside in the heat was fun because working with a tightknit group to put on…

When it comes to home maintenance and improvement, there are several types of people. Some look the other way when their home needs upgrades due to a lack of time, money, energy, or interest. Others coordinate with repair people who come in and do the necessary work. Do-it-yourself people look…

I’ve been sick for most of this week with digestive issues. This is a chronic condition for me, but it always bothers me when it happens. I’m weak and unable to do much. I must gauge my energy levels and try to squeeze important tasks into the moments I…

“MacDonald the Older,” which I call my eldest son, successfully auditioned for the International Performing Arts Institute, a national musical theater symposium. He calls me nearly every night to share the great things he learned in different classes. My heart leaps up and down with joy when I hear…

My youngest son, Caeleb, is embarking on a new adventure and studying for his driver’s test. Once he earns his permit, we’ll take him to the church parking lot for practice. Caeleb is thrilled at the thought of driving to school and band rehearsals. He is growing up and realizing…

One of the good things about being married to a person with disability (PwD) is that I can talk to my husband, Jared, objectively about disability and chronic illness. We often have conversations about it, and we aren’t afraid of self-criticism. In fact, we value it for the sake of…