When Hard Things Help You With the Important Stuff
Some days do not want to be good ones. We had one of those days this past Sunday. I was determined to get to church on time. From the get-go, many factors were working against me. For one, my…
Party of 9 — Betty Vertin
Betty has a master’s degree in management from Doane College that serves her well as a mother of several. Prior to her becoming a stay-at-home mother and caregiver, Betty worked in the nonprofit sector serving several programs in her community. Betty lives in Nebraska with her husband, John, and their children. Betty’s sons Max, Rowen, and Charlie live with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Max was diagnosed 11 years ago at age 4; Rowan and Charlie were diagnosed in the months following at ages 2 years and 7 months. In her limited free time, Betty enjoys walking her dog, reading, writing, gardening, and DIY projects. She hopes her column, “Party of 9,” helps others learn more about her sons’ disease and serves as an avenue to connect with and support other families living with Duchenne.
Featured Post
Living in a rural area can be challenging for those with DMD
Nebraska does have big cities. Well, it has two big cities. And the truth is that Omaha, our largest, is smaller than places like Denver, Los Angeles, and New York. If you have not read my column before,…
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Finding Hope Through the Seasons of Duchenne MD
The seasons are all special to me and necessary to one another. Each holds its own challenges and wonder. Here in Nebraska, we are fortunate enough to experience all four — winter, spring, summer, and fall. Every time I…
My Heart Is My Most Flexible Muscle
Motherhood was not something I was always sure I wanted. The idea of motherhood scared me. I didn’t think I had what it took. When I think of the word mother, I think of love — and I feared…
How Communication Helps When My Sons Try New Things
New places, new people, new things: They’re exciting! As a parent, I encourage my children to try new things, step outside their comfort zones, and see what the world has to offer. There is no difference in how I…
10 Things I Love About Our Wheelchair-accessible Van
I drive a massive, commercial-size, accessible, 12-passenger Dodge Promaster van with a high roof. And I love it for many reasons. Our van was never — and is not now — my dream car. But just like…
How Summer Jobs Remind Me My Sons Are Not So Different
Summer! The best time of year for my kids. We are currently counting down the days left of school. In Nebraska, school is out for summer break by the middle of May. So next week, all my children…
How I Learned Not to Borrow Tomorrow’s Trouble Today
I had one of those moments that hit you hard with a dose of the future last week. And those hits hurt. I was pushing my baby daughter, Callie, in her stroller. We were on a walk to the…
Why Pool Therapy Is Part of Our Care Plan
I write my columns on Tuesdays. I do this because I procrastinate. My deadline is Wednesday morning, and I’m not about to wake up early on Wednesdays to get it done. I am not a morning person, but I’m…
Helping My Little Ones Understand DMD
I’m late to pick up the kids from school a lot now. I haven’t always been this way, though. Last year, I’d arrive 10 minutes early every day and use it for some quiet prayer time. But since…
How Theater Has Helped My Son Navigate Friendships
My family has been on the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) journey for almost 12 years. During that time, I’ve quietly watched how friendships and making friends have changed for each of my three sons with DMD as they…
When Smiles, Celebration, and Duchenne Coexist in Harmony
Celebrate? Yes, we do. There was a time when I didn’t think celebrating and Duchenne muscular dystrophy could coexist. I thought a life touched by Duchenne would be voided of happiness, joy, and celebration. I was very wrong.
Learning How to Parent Through the Traumas Caused by DMD
During Mass on Sunday, the priest talked about an aspect of faith that acts as an infusion for the soul. As a mother of three sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), I loved the analogy and was grateful because…
