First off, please allow me to apologize for my inactivity the past week or two. I knew that life with three sons would be busy, but I had not realized just how hectic it could get. The day I took my youngest in for his two-month check up, my three year old complained of a sore throat. Turns out he had a touch of strep and to quote the pediatrician, “gigantic tonsils.” By the time I took him to the ENT specialist, the tonsils were so large they almost touched. He was immediately scheduled to have them taken out. During this same time, I learned that the budget crises for our public school district meant the elementary school my six-year-old has attended for two years will not be opening this fall. I had to scramble to find a new school for him because I was not at all confident that the district’s top choice would be the best fit for him. Luckily, his former teacher and principal agreed with me. Working together, we were able to get him placed in a school that fits his needs and personality.

Needless to say, I have felt very overwhelmed the last few weeks. Still, I wouldn’t trade the problems I have had for a chance to be a parent in Pine Valley. Sure, I’d likely have access to the best doctors and money to place my son in the best school in the state, but have you seen what Pine Valley kids are putting their parents through lately?

Kendall Slater’s kids, like mine, start giving her problems before they are even born. I guess that means they are a lot like Kendall – ready to take on the world! Problem is, their little bodies aren’t as ready as their spirits are. Spike survived his early birth and was thriving when a care accident threatened his life. Doctors have assured his parents that his injuries are not life threatening but life altering – he is deaf. Meanwhile, his new brother, Ian, is fighting for survival born extremely premature and had endured one heart surgery. Currently, he is in the NICU. It is not known if Ian will need further operations.

Then there is Erica Kane. Not only is she watching her grandsons struggle to live; she is watching her daughter struggle. Kendall is scared and hurting. All her mother can do is hold hr hand. For the first time in her life, Erica is helpless. She can’t manipulate this situation to get what she wants - her family home together.

It’s not just the mother’s in Pine Valley suffering on behalf of their children. A few fathers in town are struggling, too.

Jackson Montgomery’s troubles came mainly from his daughter, Greenlee. Until four years ago, Jackson didn’t even know he had a daughter. He feel he has to make up for not being there during her childhood by supporting her now, no matter how outrageous her schemes. This time, though, supporting Greenlee could cost him his marriage. It was his daughter’s actions that led to Spike’s condition, a fact that his wife Erica is not likely to forget.

Adam Chandler and Tad Martin both see J.R. as a son. That boy is enough to give anyone headaches!! After faking his our kidnapping, and causing Adam to lose all of his material possessions, J.R. ruined a drug bust and is being held at gun point by an angry drug dealer.

Adam’s trouble goes beyond J.R. His need to control everyone and everything around him has cost Adam the respect of his daughter. Colby still loves her father, but she is so scared of becoming like him that she has moved in with Tad.

Tad’s fatherly troubles go beyond J.R, Jamie, and Jenny – the children he knows. Tad also has to face heartache because of Kate, the daughter he doesn’t know. Kate was given up for adoption without Tad’s knowledge or consent – five years ago. The birth of little Jenny has kept Tad from spending all of his time searching for Kate, but he has not given up on a dream of finding his oldest daughter.