A word for all who mourn this holiday season. For those who long for joy to break through the sorrow. For those who know the joy of the Lord even when they don't feel it. Weep, Beloved. Tears release the pressure. As they run down your cheeks, the pain is leaking out. Falling away. I … Continue reading Advent ~ Week 3 ~ Joy
Author: michellegunnin
Recovery
I have had a few major surgeries in my life where they took significant body parts out of me. I had to learn to pay attention to my body in ways I had never considered before. Mainly, because my body couldn’t do what it used to right away. This involved relearning how to move, when … Continue reading Recovery
Advent ~ Week 2 ~ Peace
The Bethlehem Candle represents the light of the world breaking through the darkness. The Prince of Peace coming to rescue us all. I think of the carol Silent Night, and while I know silence wasn’t likely true in a barn full of animals and a newborn, I do think there is a kind of spiritual … Continue reading Advent ~ Week 2 ~ Peace
Celebration of Life
Kara, David and Liane asked me to share these details with you. We’re inviting friends, family, and loved ones to gather and remember Michael William Hunter. Join us at The Tavern at Towne Lake Hills East on Sunday December 7, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to celebrate all that Mike meant to us, … Continue reading Celebration of Life
Advent ~ Week 1 ~ Hope
I did some errands last week. Pre-Thanksgiving. I was not there to Christmas shop, I just needed a couple of items. A quick run in and out I thought. However, when I walked into the door of the store I was hit in the face with hundreds of Christmas items, crowded isles, and long lines. … Continue reading Advent ~ Week 1 ~ Hope
Farewell to Peanut
My phone felt like cement in my hand. Bringing it to my ear was a monumental task and took all of my energy; scheduling the appointment I didn’t want to make. Telling the vet, I am ready, when I am anything but. I am not ready, but Peanut is. He is in pain. He is … Continue reading Farewell to Peanut
The Sparrow
It’s been a year since Dad died. A year since the excruciating day we said our goodbyes. November 13. It seems like yesterday and a decade ago all at the same time. Funny how time warps itself when traumatic situations occur. I am somewhere in the folded pages of that time trying to find my … Continue reading The Sparrow
My Sister
Every family needs a medical person. Ours is my sister Melinda. She has been our go-to since she was in nursing school. Now that she has her doctorate and is a nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience, she has no way out of being our family's designated medical person. From phone calls about … Continue reading My Sister
Dear Alcoholism,
I see you. I know you come disguised as a choice. A twisted choice. You start your mind games at a very young age. Laying your trap well ahead. You play the long game. Unsuspecting kids don’t know that. They only see what you lay out before them. Fun or boredom. Cool kid or fuddy-duddy. … Continue reading Dear Alcoholism,
Waters of Grief
I dipped my toe into the waters of grief 8 years ago when Mom’s dementia took hold. I rolled up my pant legs and waded, allowing the sand to squish between my toes. Soon I was waist deep. With every loss of function Mom experienced, I went deeper in. Before long, I was up to … Continue reading Waters of Grief
Michelle's Mosaic 