My Boy Learned a Lesson by Playing Baseball
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…
In the Twinkling of an Eye
— Joe MacDonald
Rev. Dr. Joe K. MacDonald is a pastor in the New Mexico Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Cazandra, live in Belen, New Mexico, along with their youngest son, Caeleb, and two fur babies, Laggie and Hildie. Both of Joe’s sons (the oldest is Julian) have severe hemophilia A, factor VIII deficiency. Julian was diagnosed in 1996 and Caeleb in 2006. Joe serves on the Board of the Sangre de Oro Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation. Joe’s goal is to help his sons and others in the community use their voices to help improve the quality of life for those with bleeding disorders.
Featured Post
Celebrating my life partner and best friend on our anniversary
As I write this column, it’s my 32nd wedding anniversary. I met my wife, Cazandra, when we were in college. At first, we didn’t get along because we’re pretty different people: She’s an…
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My Son Must Learn That Planning Is Crucial
“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…
Reflecting on My Son’s Medical History
I recently accompanied my youngest son to his comprehensive checkup at the Ted R. Montoya Hemophilia Program and Treatment Center. Located in Albuquerque and affiliated with the University of New Mexico hospital system,…
A Common Bond Helps Me and My Son Tackle Hemophilia
My older son came to visit us for the first time since March 2020. Although we talk almost every day, there is nothing like seeing him in person. I didn’t realize how much my…
How My Sons Conquered the Hemophilia Giant
Last Sunday, I preached a sermon about the Old Testament story of David slaying the giant Goliath. David was young and much shorter than the very tall Goliath. The odds were against David,…
Medical Road Maps Appeal to Visual Learners Like Me
In past columns, I wrote about the benefits of creating a medical road map to keep everyone involved in my son’s hemophilia care on the same page. This collegial approach included data from…
Sharing My Family’s Journey Reminds Me of a Difficult Past
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…
Summer Brings New Adventures for the MacDonald Men
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…
How We Can Advocate for Our Blood Brothers and Sisters in Need
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…
To My Mother: Thank You for Teaching Me Everything I Know
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.
When the Seas of Chronic Illness Appear Calm
Hemlibra (emicizumab-kxwh) has been a wonder medicine for many hemophilia patients, including my youngest son. Among the benefits that he receives is a respite from internal bleeds. He now infuses every other…
Caring for My Grandfather Helped Teach Me How to Raise My Sons
When I was young, I learned how to be a caregiver for my grandfather. My mother, sister, and I lived with my grandparents for longer than I can remember. I had an incredibly unique…
