Life As A Caregiver – a Column By Colleen Steele

June 15, 2020June 12, 2020

Why I Speak For Cullen

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

The lyrics in Natalie Merchant’s song “Wonder” make me think of my son, Cullen: “Newspapers ask intimate questions / Want confessions / They reach into my head / To ... Read more

June 8, 2020June 4, 2020

Coping with the Challenges of Change

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

We commonly think of change as a new experience. It can be unfamiliar and require effort to come to terms with, but it also can be a repeat of ... Read more

June 1, 2020May 28, 2020

Ronald McDonald House Charities Responds to Epidemic Challenges

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

When my son was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, we drove from our home in Washington state to California to seek care from a specialist at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital ... Read more

May 18, 2020May 15, 2020

Caring for the Caregiver

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

I have heard it said that self-care is not selfish. While I may agree with that consciously, my subconscious still has not quite embraced it. When my son Cullen ... Read more

May 11, 2020May 8, 2020

I’m Celebrating a Year with You

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

“There is ebb and flow. Leaving and coming. Flight and fall. Sing and silent. Reaching and reached.” – Ally Condie I am unfamiliar with the author of that quote ... Read more

May 4, 2020April 30, 2020

The Power of Words

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

Lately, I have been reflecting on the power of words. It started one sleepless night, as I wondered how often I have thought or spoken the words pulmonary hypertension since ... Read more

April 27, 2020April 23, 2020

The Mental Wellness Challenges of an Introvert

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

When my son was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH), his doctors were proactive in caring for his physical health and forthright about maintaining his mental wellness. He was 8 ... Read more

April 20, 2020April 16, 2020

The Real Red Band Society

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

In 2014, my son Cullen received a heart and double-lung transplant after a long battle with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Washington state was home, but for the first four months ... Read more

April 13, 2020April 9, 2020

Creatively Compliant: How My Son Has Managed His Fluid Intake

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

In a previous column, I shared my son’s battle with weight loss and gain caused by illness. Equally challenging has been his efforts to meet daily water intake goals. ... Read more

April 6, 2020April 2, 2020

How My Family Survived Months of Illness, Worry, and Boredom

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

Since Feb. 26, many Christians around the world, including me, have been following the 40 days of Lent. It is a time of fasting and repentance to prepare for ... Read more