When I was a girl I had straight-as-a-stick hair. I was jealous of my sister’s curls. When I was a teenager my hair was long and thick, and a body wave fixed the stick issue. During college I chopped my hair off to my shoulders, then around my ears when I had children. My forehead was short, so any bangs were in my eyes straight away. I detest hair in my eyes because I am so visual, it drives me crazy to not be able to see clearly.
Author: michellegunnin
Train Ride to Adventure
Along the tracks, Dublin and its busy streets fade into countryside. At first the train moves slowly, a reluctant beast, but as we slide further away from the noise of the city it finds its wings. We race to clear skies and lush green fields. Houses dot the landscape and soon there are barns as … Continue reading Train Ride to Adventure
Emotional Dissonance
There is an emotional dissonance on this dementia journey. The ups and downs of the path itself, but also all the things outside of it. Mom is fading. Last week, she had numerous bad days. This week, she has had numerous better ones. A small plateau of sorts? Maybe. Maybe not. There are no sure … Continue reading Emotional Dissonance
My Last, Last Day of School
I would be remiss if I didn’t say I have been looking forward to this day for what seems to be a lifetime. I would also be lying if I said I was not sad about it. There is a bittersweet feeling which vacillates from day to day. Retirement is a big word. Something Americans … Continue reading My Last, Last Day of School
Moments with Mom
In addition to our regular Friday/Sunday visits with Dad to go see Mom, Melinda and I have added some individual visits when possible. Every minute spent with her is precious. On good days or bad ones, it is a sacred space to just be with her. I sit beside her bed and hold her hand … Continue reading Moments with Mom
Non-Bucket List Items
I got a few items checked of my non-bucket list this week. Never heard of a non-bucket list? It is a list is made up of things you hope never to do. Allow me to explain. Unfortunately, I have had many traumatic experiences in my life. Enough to know how my body reacts to stress. … Continue reading Non-Bucket List Items
Letting Go
We are still in limbo over here. Mom is not bouncing back from her broken leg, which we knew was a long shot at best. The original goal was to try to get her back to her wheelchair. That will not be happening. In-between land is filled with heartbreaking decisions of various kinds. There are … Continue reading Letting Go
The Divide
There is a line we are walking on this dementia journey. On one side of the line is our desire to be with mom and her adorable laughter. To sit and to be together. To support her as she has always supported us. The other side is the desire to see her free from her … Continue reading The Divide
The Notebook
Have you seen the movie the Notebook? Spoiler alert, it’s a love story about a couple where the wife has dementia. Her husband goes to see her almost every day and tells her their story, hoping she will remember. I am watching a real-life version of the Notebook. For the past few years, Dad has … Continue reading The Notebook
D-Day
Today is my own personal D-Day. Diagnosis Day. Seventeen years ago, my assault on the enemy began with three words, “You have cancer.” I was sucked into the vortex I call Cancerland without any training for the battle. Storming the beach without any knowledge of what to do if I made it to the shore. … Continue reading D-Day
Michelle's Mosaic 