When my youngest son, Caeleb, was born over 19 years ago, my wife and I found out that he had hemophilia before leaving the hospital. Devastated, we could not begin to tell anyone how we felt about the diagnosis. I remembered our struggles raising my oldest son, Julian, now…

There’s a saying that’s been on my mind a lot lately: “Action is the antidote to anxiety.” It resonates deeply, especially in our household, where uncertainty is part of daily life. My husband, Jared, has severe hemophilia B and epilepsy — two conditions that bring unique challenges. Together, they…

I must admit that, as a father, I dreamed of greatness for my sons. While Cazandra, my wife, was pregnant with each of my boys, I envisioned a global career for them that would transform the world. With my measurement of success as a guiding light, I imagined the…

Raising two sons with severe hemophilia A has been a journey filled with ups and downs, joys and fears. I lived in constant fear when my first son, Julian, was a baby. Not only was I concerned about feedings, diaper changes, and making sure he was breathing in…

When it came time to teach my oldest son, Julian, how to shave, I chickened out. The thought of putting a razor blade on his face terrified me. I lived with an unsupported fear that I’d instruct him poorly and a cut might unleash a river of blood. I…

My 16-year-old son, Caeleb, is on summer break. He told me that summer is a little too boring and the school year is a little too much. He is definitely a teenager. Next month he begins summer band, and boredom will become exhaustion. Caeleb is already concerned about marching…

My biggest fear for my sons, who live with severe hemophilia, is an auto accident. When my oldest son, Julian, began to drive, I impressed upon him anew the importance of wearing a MedicAlert emblem. He wore it like dog tags for years when he was younger,…

There’s something special about each day of the week. I enjoy Thursday because my weekend begins at the close of the day. I enjoy Wednesdays because it’s the middle of the week, and the weekend is closer (I think there’s a pattern here). Sundays are special because, as a…

“Pain” is a short, four-letter word, but its meaning is complex for those affected by chronic illness. For example, my youngest son, who lives with severe hemophilia, also known as factor VIII deficiency, once described the feeling of an internal bleed as sharp needles continuously attacking a joint.

I enjoy Sunday mornings. As a United Methodist pastor, I lead worship and love on my congregation. However, one of my favorite parts of the morning is my commute. My youngest son, Caeleb, comes with me to church. He is responsible for the video recording and sound each Sunday.