I arrived late for the concert. An usher whisked me to my seat, as my husband and our son Caeleb had already arrived. As I walked down the aisle, feeling very conspicuous in my clerical collar (I didn’t have time to change), I noticed the backs of hundreds…
Hemophilia 24/7
— Cazandra Campos-MacDonald
Rev. Cazandra Campos-MacDonald is a pastor, author, motivational speaker, and encourager. She lives in New Mexico with her husband, Rev. Dr. Joe MacDonald, and youngest son, Caeleb. Their adult son, Julian, is living the bohemian life of a starving artist and goes wherever there is an audition. Her sons live with severe hemophilia A and inhibitors. Her older brother died shortly after birth due to complications from hemophilia. Cazandra writes candidly of raising two sons with a rare bleeding disorder. She believes storytelling is about redeeming the journey and connecting with others.
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Easter Sunday was wonderful. The pipe organ at our church hadn’t worked in four years, but thanks to generous donors, it was finally restored. We revealed it on Easter with a brass quintet and choir, and the music was truly beautiful. As a classically trained oboist, I am deeply…
When I was a young woman, I was very negative. I would look ahead to a situation and immediately imagine the possible pitfalls. I never considered everything would work according to plan. When plans went better than expected, it was a bonus. As a former glass-half-empty kind of person,…
I have a variety of satellite radio stations saved as favorites in my car, with Broadway, The Blend, Classic Rock, The Groove, Symphony Hall, and ’80s as the ones I enjoy the most. The ’80s music transports me to my high school days, which were filled with beautiful memories.
When my youngest son, Caeleb, was 8 years old, our family went on a trip that required him to use a wheelchair at the airport. His severe hemophilia A with an inhibitor had caused persistent joint bleeds, which resulted in significant pain and limited mobility, as well as…
I have battled weight and self-image issues since I was a teenager. Being present with my hospice patients day in and day out becomes draining. I take on any pain and disappointment my husband and sons experience. And when I witness my boys struggle because of hemophilia, the…
The adventure of life is filled with ups and downs. Focusing on a word instead of on New Year’s resolutions can be a powerful practice when navigating a bleeding disorder. A focus word serves as a daily reminder and source of motivation, providing a lens through which to…
The holiday season means different things for different people. Wrapping presents, taking a family vacation, or simply baking cookies are some of the activities that bring people happiness during this time. Regardless of a person’s faith, tradition, or experience, the holidays are meant to bring joy, love, hope, and…
Taking time off is critical for our mental health. Even if a vacation is a staycation, having time to relax and have fun is essential for our overall well-being. Rest and rejuvenation also help make us more productive. But vacations are a luxury. Traveling to Europe, cruising to Mexico, and…
This time of year brings many changes to the usual routines of life. The weather is colder, the leaves have fallen off the trees, and the days are shorter, with darkness arriving early. It’s also a time of joyous celebrations, traditions, and memory-making. For many, this season includes cookies,…
A phone call in the wee hours of the morning makes the heart skip a beat, as it often brings bad news. A baby crying in the middle of the night means a sleep-deprived parent going through the motions of changing diapers and warming bottles. When the quiet hours of…
Raising two sons with a bleeding disorder has given me hundreds of stories. Many of them lead to happiness and gratitude. Others are filled with pain and suffering. They are all a part of me in a way I never imagined they would be. The nice thing about having so…
I do love Thanksgiving season. Families gather, food is shared, and quality time is priceless. But not everyone enjoys the holidays. In them, we’re encouraged to live a life filled with thanks, a life of thanksliving. Ugh. Yes, it’s a nice thought, but sometimes it’s enough to distract…
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