Columns

My youngest son suffered his last joint bleed from hemophilia over seven years ago. Gone are the days when he could not walk, and a wheelchair was the most accessible way for him to get around at school and family outings. I work at a church that knows my…

There was a time when hemophilia ruled my family’s every waking moment. My husband and I set out to accomplish two goals each day: going to work and taking care of our youngest son, Caeleb. It was nice when Caeleb could go to school for an entire day, but…

As a woman with hemophilia who has a proper diagnosis and a fantastic treatment plan, I do not take my health for granted. I feel fortunate and blessed to have reached a place where coping with bleeds and pain is no longer a constant focus. I’m normal! (Well,…

Over the past couple of weeks, my husband, Jared, and I have been fully occupied with home improvements. We did a complete revamp of our bedroom, from repainting the walls to changing our old and deteriorating bed. We also replaced other furniture that was falling apart or no longer…

This summer brings a tinge of melancholy as the Sangre de Oro Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation has announced that its usual weeklong summer camp will not meet in person. While I understand the reason for avoiding unnecessary health risks, I still feel sad for the regular…

Recently, I preached a sermon that focused on advocacy. The basis of the message came from the Gospel of Mark 6:53-56. In the Scripture passage, people carried their friends and loved ones on mats to Jesus’ feet so that those who suffered from illnesses could touch his garment and…

My 15-year-old son, Caeleb, is looking for a summer job. We live in a small town, so his choices are limited, and many jobs require applicants to be at least 16. Part of me hopes he waits until next summer to find a job, but he is actively looking. The…

I am not neurotypical. My thoughts, perception, and speech can be different than others. It is subtle, but there. For example, if someone tells me something, I take their word literally — and I mean literally. If someone tells me they poked themselves 30…

Lately, my husband, Jared, and I have been working on home improvement goals. Since the pandemic lockdowns began, couples all over the Philippines have been boasting of their improved homes. With many employees now working from home, several people have both the time and the initiative to renovate and…

I learned how to be a caregiver from my mother. Ruby Jane loved my children with complete devotion. While I made her a grandmother, she made me the man I am today. I observed her care for not only family but humanity. She spent years serving as the…