Party of 9 – a Column by Betty Vertin

In the last year, I have written about our family’s need for more space. Well, I have some exciting news to share. We are moving to a new house! It has been a process. We looked at houses for months. That might sound like we looked at a lot…

As the summer flies by, my thoughts turn to going back to school — reluctantly. As a mother of many, the end of summer is nothing new. I have seven children with my husband, Jason: Lexi, 25; Max, 20; Chance, 19; Rowen, 17; Charlie, 15; Mary, 11; and Callie, 4. Max,…

I wrote last week that I have been overwhelmed this summer by the demands of being a mom and caregiver. I have seven children with my husband, Jason: Lexi, 25; Max, 20; Chance, 19; Rowen, 17; Charlie, 15; Mary, 11; and Callie, 4. Max, Rowen, and Charlie live with…

“You have your hands full.” I have heard that said hundreds of times over the past 25 years, and I hated hearing it. I always had a response ready: “Sure, but my heart is fuller,” I would say. However, I’m currently in a season of life and caregiving where…

I had my annual physical last week and when the doctor told me I was in good health, it was a relief. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. I am a mother to seven: Lexi, 25; Max, 20; Chance, 19; Rowen, 17; Charlie, 15; Mary,…

June is a quiet month here in rural Nebraska. Most days, only neighbors drive on the street outside our home, and you can hear the wind moving through the plains. That may sound boring to some of you from the big cities, but here it is supposed to be relaxing…

Here are some facts about me: I am an introvert, I am quiet, and my strongest voice is the written word. I grew up in the foster care system and experienced childhood trauma that makes it hard for me to know how to be around people. I am a mom…

They say the third time is the charm. However, as a mom to three sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), I don’t find that to be the case. I share seven children with my husband, Jason: Lexi, 25; Max, 20; Chance, 19; Rowen, 17; Charlie, 15; Mary, 11; and…

I have been writing here about my family since August 2021. My husband, Jason, and I share seven children: Lexi, 25; Max, 20; Chance, 19; Rowen, 17; Charlie, 15; Mary, 11; and Callie, 4. Max, Rowen, and Charlie have Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In my first column,…

My son Charlie has recently been unable to get into his power wheelchair on his own, and I know I am watching him lose the ability to ambulate, as I did with two of my other sons. Charlie, 15, like his brothers Max, 20, and Rowen, 17, lives with…