Party of 9 – a Column by Betty Vertin

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…

This past winter in rural Nebraska was mild, with no real snow and only a handful of very cold weeks. But as it has gotten warmer and the grass starts turning green, I very much appreciate the arrival of spring. My children, who will be out of school for summer…

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…