Party of 9
— Betty Vertin

August here in Nebraska is sweltering. Not only do the temperatures reach the high 90s, but the humidity is suffocating. I’ll never understand why our kids return to school at this time of year, when it’s so uncomfortable outside. But as I write these words, five of my children have…

I’m no longer a young mom, but I was once. In fact, I was a very young first-time mom, as my oldest daughter, Lexi, 24, was born when I was 21 years old. Six more children followed: Max, 19; Chance, 18; Rowen, 16; Charlie, 14; Mary, 10; and Callie, 3.

Years ago, I had my colors done: I’m a winter. Dark blues, greens, scarlets, royal hues, red, black, and hot pink look best on me. I don’t always follow these guidelines, but I own a few statement pieces in these shades and wear them when I feel confident. On Tuesday,…

July is my favorite month. Many people who know me might be surprised by that, as they’re aware that I’m a Christmas enthusiast who loves to decorate, making my house look like the North Pole for nearly eight weeks every winter. I spend the other 10 months of the year…

Summer vacation in the Midwest typically begins in mid-May, and kids return to school by mid-August. Here in Nebraska, that puts us halfway through summer break already. Like most moms, I’m feeling a mix of emotions: grief as I anticipate the end of these few precious weeks home with my…

Late afternoon sunlight drifts into the house, brightening the blue paint on the walls. The room feels cheery and welcoming. Wicker baskets hold soft blankets, pillows cushion the couch, and dogs are sleeping on the rugs. I love walking into this room, and every room, in my home, which I…

Here in the Midwest, June brings warmer temperatures. I live in Nebraska, where warmer weather is welcome after bitterly cold winters and brisk, windy springs. It’s also necessary for the crops growing in the large fields that line most of the highways. I wait all spring for the temperature to…

I’m a mother of seven and a caregiver to the three of my sons who have Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). My oldest daughter, Lexi, 24, lives a few hours away with her husband. I live in rural Nebraska with my husband, Jason, and our six youngest children: Max, 19;…

When I think about my son Charlie, I always remember my pregnancy with him. I’d taken a home test and knew I was pregnant, but when I called to make an appointment with my doctor to confirm the good news, I scheduled an appointment for my son Max, who was…

Once again, I’m writing from an uncomfortable chair in an infusion room as my son Max participates in a clinical trial. I frequently visit this room with my three sons — Max, 19; Rowen, 16; and Charlie, 14 — who live with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). It’s a…

It’s been a couple of weeks since my last column. I’ve missed writing them. I can never explain how therapeutic it is for me to share my life as a caregiver through writing. I have seven children: Lexi, 24, Max, 19, Chance, 18, Rowen, 16, Charlie, 14, Mary, 10, and…

I am going at a pace I can’t maintain. As a former half-marathon runner, I can feel the burn in the pit of my stomach as I write this. I can feel the heat in my legs and cheeks as I push myself to the finish line. Except this time,…