Oh God. We have strayed so far from the garden where we walked and talked with you in the cool of the evening. Where you fellowshipped with us face to face. Where you shared your heart with us and for us. Where we were open with you and without secrets. Where we rejoiced in your … Continue reading Wars and Rumors of War
Author: michellegunnin
Sitting With Grief
I am finding it is hard to sit with ongoing grief. It is different than a “regular” loss, if there is such a thing. This dementia journey comes with more ups and downs but with a steady downward trajectory. I find myself trying to dissect my feelings. I am happy I still have my mom. … Continue reading Sitting With Grief
Grateful for 34 Years
On this date every year, my husband humors me. I have a practice of building memorials on important days. February 2nd is the time-splitting day for before Bill’s brain injury and after. For 34 February 2nds I have been placing a stone on the memorial altar; both remembering this day and trying to forget it. … Continue reading Grateful for 34 Years
A Moment with Mom
I have become a celebrity at the place Mom and Dad live. He gave my book to some friends who were facing heartbreaking circumstances, similar to his. Those people then ordered some to give away, too. The result is that I get stopped by people in the halls and in the bistro almost every week, … Continue reading A Moment with Mom
Southern Snow Rituals
We have a strange ritual in the South when snow is approaching. Those from outside our region will never understand our need for milk and bread in the face of a winter storm. It is not high on anyone else’s storm preparation list like it is on ours. My theory is that it stems from … Continue reading Southern Snow Rituals
Tribute to Topher
Some people light up a room when they walk into it but my friend Kris Jones wasn’t one of those people. She was more comfortable in the background…a woman of few words. Her light was just as bright but added to the space in a quiet way. Behind her shy demeanor was a wicked since … Continue reading Tribute to Topher
Cancer Free
Fifteen years ago, today, at the beginning of 2007, I sat in the chemo chair for the last time. It was my last 6 hours of treatment, which led to the beautiful words “cancer free.” I got to wear the elephant scarf (not sure why it was an elephant) and sign my name to the … Continue reading Cancer Free
A Prayer for the Slow Loss of Memory
Dad went to a service this past week where they read a prayer called "The Slow Loss of Memory." It touched him deeply. You will see why. This dementia journey is so hard to describe and put into words. This prayer makes it easier to understand and also gives us such hope. For us, it … Continue reading A Prayer for the Slow Loss of Memory
Tis the Season…of Loss
I am a holiday lover. I guess growing up in a home with a mom who decorated for every holiday season rubbed off on me. And the Christmas season is the biggest celebration of the year, where I redecorate the entire house for a month or so. Boxes and boxes of decorations are stacked in … Continue reading Tis the Season…of Loss
Another Tribute…
It seems I’ve been writing a lot about loss lately. These posts are not intended to be eulogies as much as acknowledgements of lives that matter to me. Tributes. The most recent death is Dad’s sister, Joanna Hunter Hathcock. This one took our breath away with its suddenness. A reminder that life is short and … Continue reading Another Tribute…
Michelle's Mosaic 