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
Author: michellegunnin
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
Guest Blog- A Good Man Named Michael
Addiction is a quiet burden for families. It comes with a truckload of heartache for all those touched by it. Suffering in silence as your loved one goes down a path of self-destruction can break you because there is nothing you can do. Not one thing. This guest blog by Melinda, describes the difficulty our … Continue reading Guest Blog- A Good Man Named Michael
Guest Blog – My Dear Dad
Another guest blog...this one from Kara, the youngest of Michael's children. Alcoholism is a long complex journey, but there is often lots of good mixed into the hard. In this blog, Kara remembers the good times with her Dad. My Dear Dad By Kara Hunter I sit here on my porch, listening to Tom Petty … Continue reading Guest Blog – My Dear Dad
Guest Blog- Assumption
This guest blog is written by David, Michael's son. He wanted me to share it with you so you can see Michael's strengths, but also as a reminder to show the love you have. Do not assume you will always get tomorrow. Assumption by David Hunter As humans, when we go to bed, most of … Continue reading Guest Blog- Assumption
Guest Blog- Wild Horses
When we were gathered around Michael’s bed to before the chaplain prayed, Liane, Michael’s oldest daughter, played Wild Horses by the Rolling Stones for him. The atmosphere changed and it felt as if he was “hearing it” with us. It was powerful. Here Liane has written a guest blog about why she chose that specific … Continue reading Guest Blog- Wild Horses
Hard Things
We received a call from a hospital in Jacksonville that our brother was in neuro intensive care after a fall. He was living on Amelia Island and Jacksonville was the closest hospital for this type of injury. We all got there as fast as possible. Melinda and Kara flew in first and met David who … Continue reading Hard Things
I Am Not a Musician
I’m not a musician, but I have been married to one for 39 years. I have raised a few. People ask me what instrument I play and I say, “the radio”. I have learned a few things along the way. Musicians hear differently than non-musicians. I hear the whole, they hear the parts. My musicians … Continue reading I Am Not a Musician
Michelle's Mosaic 