Author Archives: Betty Vertin

It’s homecoming week here in Nebraska. Our local high school has its homecoming football game today, and the dance is tomorrow. I love homecoming. It’s a time of fun and excitement. The crowd at the football game always seems full of extra energy. The kids get dressed up and…

I saw a meme today that said, “I need a day between every day to recover from the day before and prepare for the upcoming day.” I could not have identified with anything more today. If you haven’t guessed it yet, I am exhausted. I was a single caregiver and…

Our family has encountered many challenges in our journey with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and there will be more to come. If I were to ask the question, “What is the hardest part of Duchenne?” in a room full of parents whose children have the condition, there likely would be as…

It’s tempting to label the siblings of those who have Duchenne muscular dystrophy as the “unaffected siblings.” But I can never seem to get those words out of my mouth. Siblings are indeed affected by Duchenne. In my family, the siblings, Lexi, Chance, and Mary, experience Duchenne daily, even though…

My oldest son with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Max, starts his sophomore year in high school this week. He will be halfway through his high school education by the end of the school year. For a long time, I was afraid to look too far into his future. At diagnosis, a…

My kids return to school next week. As always, there is so much to do to get ready. In addition to back-to-school shopping and open house, I have to ensure Max, Rowen, and Charlie, my sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), will be successful and that their school is…

A hostess I am not! Planning a child’s birthday party or hosting a team meal is the extent of my party planning skills. I am usually introverted and quiet, and only a few people will hear me talk much. Writing is my favorite way of communicating, and it has led…