In the Twinkling of an Eye – a Column by Joe MacDonald

May 30, 2019May 28, 2019

I Give My Sons the Best I Have to Offer

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

I often wonder what my sons feel when they are in the middle of a bleeding episode. Both boys tell me that a bleed into a joint or muscle ... Read more

May 23, 2019May 21, 2019

What Job, the Man and the Legend, Has Taught Us About Suffering

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

It is no secret that I am a pastor in the United Methodist faith. Many times, I find that having children with bleeding disorders challenges my theology and how ... Read more

May 16, 2019May 14, 2019

My Son Claims Victory Over His Mountain of Struggles

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

Our family took a recent trip to White Sands, New Mexico. The dunes were amazing. I had thought that my feet would burn due to the heat. However, I ... Read more

May 9, 2019May 7, 2019

It’s a Chronic Illness, Not Your Sole Identity

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

A name is not mere letters on paper or a screen, but a way to proclaim our existence. What we call ourselves lets the world know who we are. ... Read more

May 2, 2019April 30, 2019

Finding Routine in Chaos

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

Having a family member admitted to the hospital throws the entire family’s routine into absolute chaos. We lose our control of time, as well as our privacy. While it ... Read more

April 25, 2019April 23, 2019

Preserving Our Family During Difficult Times

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

One of the best things about my relationship with my wife is our team approach to difficult circumstances stemming from hemophilia. I tend to remain calm at the beginning ... Read more

April 18, 2019April 17, 2019

When He Leaves Home

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

My oldest son will be moving out of the house in a few weeks to rent an apartment with a good friend of his. My mind continues to bring ... Read more

April 11, 2019April 10, 2019

Forgiveness Is Not a Dirty Word

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

Recently, I discussed an issue with several men with whom I meet on Monday mornings. We talk about various topics, and that morning’s conversation centered around the idea of forgiveness. ... Read more

April 4, 2019April 3, 2019

We Still Carry Scars

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

A few years ago, “MacDonald the Younger,” his mom, and I went to his yearly checkup with the Hemophilia Treatment Center to review our road map (healthcare chart), report ... Read more

March 28, 2019March 27, 2019

When Life Changes for the Better, Possibilities Are Endless

Columns, In the Twinkling of an Eye - a Column by Joe MacDonald

February 2014 was a significant time in the life of my family. For years we saw our younger son regularly suffer bleed after bleed. He suffered from an inhibitor ... Read more