Party of 9 – a Column by Betty Vertin

I have always been an open book about my life. I am a writer, caregiver, and mother living in the Midwest with my family. My husband and I have seven children: Lexi, 24; Max, 20; Chance, 18; Rowen, 17; Charlie, 15; Mary, 11; and Callie, 4. Max, Rowen, and Charlie…

I live in rural Nebraska with my husband, Jason, and seven children. Three of them — Max, 20, Rowen, 17, and Charlie, 15 — live with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), so I am a mom to many as well as a caregiver. At times, it feels like I’m giving…

As parents, we dedicate our lives to raising our children. We work long and hard, striving to meet their needs, teach kindness, encourage a strong work ethic, and foster self-advocacy. Our goal is to help them grow into successful adults. As a mom of many, I can see my and…

The comment comes in many forms: “I don’t know how you do it.” “You have your hands full!” “I can’t imagine what it would be like.” It’s always in response to seeing my large family. I share seven children with my husband, Jason: Lexi, 24; Max, 20; Chance, 18; Rowen,…

I’m one of those people who can get lost deep in thought. As a busy mom to many in a bustling household that could seem like chaos to others, my thoughts are often my only quiet time. I share seven children with my husband, Jason: Lexi, 24; Max, 20; Chance,…

My family needs more space. I wrote about this recently, and we have since decided not to remodel our current home. Since there’s no room to add on, we’re now focused on finding a new, larger house. We have a big family. My husband, Jason, and I share seven…

I’m going on a blind date! I should mention that it is with a book. Regular readers of my column will know that I am happily married to Jason, my husband of nearly 25 years. I got the idea a couple of weeks ago after visiting an antique…

As a caregiver to three sons living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and a mother to four other children, I have learned a lot over the years. Today, I want to use that knowledge and experience to give back to the community. Being a part of the Duchenne community…

It’s been a busy couple of weeks. There have been lots of appointments and activities, and I’ve been busy running errands around town. I live in a rural community in south central Nebraska. It’s small enough that, no matter where I go, I run into someone I know. I also…

When the germs of cold and flu season find their way into the Vertin household, they crash our party of nine, and no one is spared. A cold or flu can be especially dangerous for my three sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) — Max, Rowen, and Charlie…