As a hemophiliac there are many things I am grateful for that most “normal” kids just don’t get like the amazing bonds with my blood brothers and their families during conferences and at camp. However, what I am by far most grateful for is my mother. After dealing with all the challenges related to hemophilia, my mom is one of the strongest women I know and I am beyond proud to be her son. Â
As far back as I can remember, there was never a time growing up that my mother didn’t handle something, no matter how large or small. I always knew things we would be all right. I’m not a parent so I can’t even imagine how hard it must be to hear that your newborn child has a bleeding disorder, especially if you were not aware of a family history, or that you’re a carrier of 
the gene, which was the case with my mother. But after I was born and diagnosed she learned everything she possibly could and made the effort to reach out and connect with other families for support. This seems to be a natural thing for most hemo moms — the instinct to reach out and learn to do whatever it takes to better the lives of their children. It always amazes me how all hemo moms have the same willingness and drive to care for their children’s medical and emotional needs. Obviously, every great mom has this characteristic, but anybody that knows a hemo mom, knows that they are on a whole different level.
I hate to think of how my life would have turned out if my mother was not who she is. Because of her, others understood my struggles. My mother can be very shy when it comes to meeting new people, but she put that aside and got us involved with the bleeding disorders community. She knew it would be the best thing for her to develop strong support networks. She started taking me to camp at age two, and we’ve both been going ever since! Now we volunteer every year and do whatever we can to give back. Through watching her, I learned the value of what volunteering and giving back means. Now I try to apply that principle wherever I can. I hope to be the best role model I can to kids who are going through similar experiences. I owe that all to my mom, and the other moms that have watched me grow up and have always been there for me.
Growing up with a bleeding disorder is by no means an easy task, but it is equally as difficult, if not harder, for the mothers. Somehow they always handle things with grace. I don’t think I could ever put it into words how amazing hemo moms really
are. My mom has always taken care of everything and managed to come out on the other side even stronger than before — no matter how trying it may be. I have to take a step back every now and then to remind myself that she’s still human.
When I was asked to write this blog for Mother’s Day I was extremely honored. It didn’t surprise me because my mom is amazing, and celebrating amazing moms is what Mother’s Day is all about. Not just my mom though: any mother that can handle raising a child with a bleeding disorder is a superhero. It takes an amount of courage, grace, and dedication that I only hope to have one day. I’m so incredibly grateful that I have the mom I have and I will certainly celebrate this Mother’s Day by trying to be the best son I can be.
I LOVE YOU MOM!
Max is the adult son of regular Infusing Love blogger, Maryann. They live in New Hampshire.
*Note: “Infusing Love: A Mom’s View,” is a blog collection of personal opinions and a representation of individuals experiences. While extensive efforts are made to ensure accuracy of the content, the blog entries do not represent HFA or its Board of Directors. The blog is also not intended to be construed as medical advice or the official opinion/position of HFA, its staff, or its Board of Directors. Readers are strongly encouraged to discuss their own medical treatment with their healthcare providers.
