The flowers are making an appearance. Right on time. The pear trees have changed into their dresses of green. The cherries are not far behind. Their pale pink blossoms are spilling confetti into the air and onto the paths. The wild azaleas are rising their blush faces to the sun. The pink dogwoods are magnificent … Continue reading Spring has Sprung
Author: michellegunnin
Bonnie
I just learned that my friend Bonnie Petras died in July. This is my tribute to her. I first met Bonnie at my interview. I was looking for a teaching job in White County, and she was on the interview committee, which felt like more like an inquisition. I sat at the head of the … Continue reading Bonnie
The Song of My Scars
When my boys where little, they were fascinated by scars. So much so that when they fell and skinned a knee or got cut, one way to ease the pain was to talk about what a cool scar this was going to make someday. Then they would take the pain in stride and tell a … Continue reading The Song of My Scars
Brain Injury Awareness Month- Part 5 (last one)
Much of brain injury is looking back at the injury itself. Trying to figure out what impact it had on the brain; what parts of the brain are affected; what symptoms developed from the injury; how to treat the symptoms and underlying condition of the brain. There is so much analysis and so much detail … Continue reading Brain Injury Awareness Month- Part 5 (last one)
Hank
I explore antique shops to look for stories. Every piece inside is a narrative about the past. I find parts of my own history woven into the aisles. A mushroom canister set from the 70s takes me back to baking in my mother’s kitchen. A very old, heavy, black rotary phone reminds me of my … Continue reading Hank
Tribute to Aunt Brenda
When Bill first started bringing me around to meet his family, Aunt Brenda was one of the first ones I met. She set me at ease immediately. Her sweet temperament was welcoming; her hugs were cozy and genuine. She had a sparkle of joy in her eyes, always. She told great stories about the family … Continue reading Tribute to Aunt Brenda
Brain Injury Awareness Month – Part 3
Of course, our life experience of the last 36 years, is mainly with a catastrophic frontal lobe injury. Though the frontal lobe was the primary injury, it was not the only part of Bill’s brain that was injured. The brain is loose inside of your skull, like jello. The skull is hard and has ridges … Continue reading Brain Injury Awareness Month – Part 3
Brain Injury Awareness Month-Part 2
Here’s a color-coded picture of the brain. As you can see there are many parts. They are called lobes, and each one has a different function. The parts make up the whole, unless there is an injury to the brain, at which time, the healthy parts try to rewire to make up for the damaged … Continue reading Brain Injury Awareness Month-Part 2
Brain Injury Awareness Month
March is brain injury awareness month. This morning, when I told Bill that I was writing about brain injury awareness, he said, “I’m already aware of it, thanks.” And he certainly is, as am I. But the rest of the world probably isn’t, so I thought I’d give you some information. Kinds of Brain Injuries … Continue reading Brain Injury Awareness Month
Lessons from the Storm
When I stepped onto the path, the sun was playing hide and seek with the clouds racing across the sky. The birds were singing. Urgently. It was not their usual playful banter. My ears heard the differences without my notice, at first. Halfway through my walk, the sun had disappeared, along with the birdsongs. My … Continue reading Lessons from the Storm
Michelle's Mosaic 