Joe is the father of two sons with hemophilia. He and his wife, Cazandra, are active members in the bleeding disorders community and often facilitate workshops both locally and nationally. Joe is a pastor in the United Methodist Church and writes a blog about spirituality and faith. You may follow his blog at www.joekmac.com.Preparing for change is never easy. For Caeleb, my youngest son, this season of his life is stressful yet exciting. After graduating from high school, he is marching on as a freshman at the University of New Mexico this fall. He’s excited about attending college, but has some…
Cazandra and Caeleb, my wife and youngest son, rode with me several years ago to see a movie in Albuquerque, New Mexico, near our home. Caz and I planned the whole day with one goal: to have fun. After the movie, we’d have lunch and then go to a…
When my sons with hemophilia were children, my role as their advocate seemed clearly defined. My wife, Cazandra, and I sought as many sources as possible to make the best decisions for their welfare, consulting leading specialists to help us when complications arose and spontaneous bleeding…
For years, long periods in the hospital proved challenging for my family. My youngest son, Caeleb, required many extended stays because of breakthrough bleeding episodes related to hemophilia. We often tried to find ways to break the monotony of the sounds of medical machinery that frequently rang and…
My youngest son, Caeleb, and I recently visited the Ted R. Montoya Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) for his yearly checkup. This appointment was his first to the treatment center since turning the magic age of 18. Before leaving the house, we discussed what he should expect as a newly…
I’m sitting at my desk at work, focusing on projects I must accomplish before the day ends, when suddenly my ringtone fills the room with the song “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway musical “Wicked.” I see that my oldest son, Julian, is calling me. I smile when I…
Picture this: I’ve finally settled down for some peace and quiet with my wife. I’m holding a nice glass of wine, and she’s sitting in her favorite rocking chair. Our two boys have found refuge in their bedrooms, and all seems right in the world. I turn to Cazandra…
For the last two weeks, my family has celebrated a significant milestone for my youngest son, Caeleb. He graduated high school and now looks forward to life as a college freshman. My boy is excited about this new adventure. While I’m grateful that he celebrated a mountaintop experience, I…
A pastor in the United Methodist Church agrees to participate in an itinerant system, in which a governing body, the Cabinet, moves clergy to where their gifts and graces are needed. I’m serving my fourth church at the First United Methodist Church of Belen, New Mexico, where…
My youngest son, Caeleb, crossed the stage on Saturday afternoon and received his high school diploma. He relied on the assistance of a cane, which serves as a constant reminder of the chronic pain he suffers as a result of breakthrough bleeds in his right knee and ankle.
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