Caregiving is a solitary path. Watching Dad take care of Mom and even helping him, I can see the toll it takes. She is dependent upon him. We went to a concert together and I saw her needing him. I was right there, but I am not Dad. She seemed to forget how to get … Continue reading A Solitary Path
Author: michellegunnin
Compounded Grace
My last blog was about compounded grief, this one is about...compounded grace. Grace resting upon grace. Layering one grace-act upon the other until there is a foundation of solid rock. Compounded grace is beyond feelings. Beyond belief. It is there whether I believe in it or not. This grace counters the grief upon grief … Continue reading Compounded Grace
Compounded Grief
There is an ache in my chest, which wakes my brain. It is not a physical ache, but an emotional one. My brain rouses my eyes and my feet slide out from under the warm covers to tiptoe to my computer…trying not to wake the sleeping dogs. It is a familiar walk through the dark … Continue reading Compounded Grief
Faaaantastic
I spent New Year's Day at St. Joe's hospital in Atlanta. My dad's cousin Jimmy was in ICU, and Dad wanted to go for a visit. Dad, Melinda, and I arrived as life support was about to be turned off, as all attempts for healing had failed. Not what we expected when we were on … Continue reading Faaaantastic
Dear 2019
Dear 2019, You are the last year of a decade, which means you are special. I am even more reflective because of your “end of the decade” status. You certainly had some twists and turns. Some ups and downs. You were like a flurry of hope at the beginning. Aren’t all new years? My list … Continue reading Dear 2019
Dear Friends and Family (2)
Dad and I talk together pretty often about Mom’s daily condition. We look at her new behaviors and we try to analyze what each one means. Is she getting worse? Is this new? Is she sick or is her mind just disconnected? Melinda and Dad also analyze every moment especially the medical ones. Everything that … Continue reading Dear Friends and Family (2)
Frazier’s Gift
I was cleaning out some files this week when I came across this story. It is one I wrote back when I wanted to be a children's book author, over 20 years ago. It was written before I had ever been to a far-away land, or seen children without parents or homes. It never was … Continue reading Frazier’s Gift
Meek and Mild
Meek and mild. A baby. A manger. Silent night, holy night. Quiet. Calm. Gentle. Words we think of this time of year. A far cry from the God who rolls away stones, but do not mistake meekness for weakness. No, meekness is the secret weapon of God. It is the least expected way of doing … Continue reading Meek and Mild
It’s the First Time
It happened for the first-time last night. We took Mom to a Christmas concert, and after we got her seated she looked at me and asked, “Do you know who I am?” The look in her eye told me she didn’t know who I was and she was wondering why I was helping her. I … Continue reading It’s the First Time
Birthing Day
A young woman set out on a long journey. She rode a donkey. She was great with child. Her companion watched over her and tried to find her a place to rest. To no avail. They ended up in a barn at the appointed time. She labored. She pushed. She cried. She wailed. The baby … Continue reading Birthing Day
