Pet ownership does all the marvelous things you would expect, for your kids. They learn responsibility, kindness, and compassion all while having fun. They learn you can’t just play when you feel like it and let things go when you don’t. It teaches them balance between the want-tos and the have-tos in life. I have … Continue reading Bye, Bye Bella
Author: michellegunnin
Bucket List
If Mom is the glue of our family, Dad is the bedrock. The foundation on which all the rest of us stand; a role which he has stoically carried his whole life. When the winds of life blow around us, our feet are firmly planted. He has carried us all at one time or another, … Continue reading Bucket List
My Love/Hate Relationship
Since I was a young girl, I have always had a love/hate relationship with my body. It has never been what I wanted it to be. I came into my curves early and when all my friends were shopping the junior department for size 3 or 5, I was in the women’s department looking for … Continue reading My Love/Hate Relationship
Re-member
The rain urged me to sleep in. I complied with its wishes, longer than I’d intended. Once my eyes opened, wide awake, I still had no desire to scoot out from under the warm covers. Wondering why this lethargy covered me, I discovered sadness in my heart. The down armor of my comforter seemed to … Continue reading Re-member
A Thought Provoking Quote
I am on a creative journey which was started by an attempt to create a space for my own emotional health while caregiving. Melinda and I have been exploring art, specifically pottery. She picked up The Artist’s Way at a book store. I ordered mine on Amazon. The completed copy we found on Mom’s bookshelf … Continue reading A Thought Provoking Quote
An Educator’s Prayer
God, as we begin the school year we bring the heaviness of the past few years before you. We lay it at your feet and we let it go. We ask for a refreshing wind of your spirit to blow through the hearts of all who serve your children. Help us to see them as … Continue reading An Educator’s Prayer
Sunday Morning in July
It’s a humid July morning. A Sunday. The sun is filtering through the leaves, creating a picturesque effect of green and gold stained glass. The golden rays fall to the forest floor like water over rocks. They highlight some areas and avoid others. The speckles of light seem to move slowly across the underbrush, making … Continue reading Sunday Morning in July
Sharing Loss
Photo: Mike Hunter (the day they brought her home from the shelter) The dementia journey is fraught with loss. At every turn, your loved one is fading away which causes its own sort of slow dying process in your heart as a caregiver. Your emotional state is tied to their wellbeing; each step of their … Continue reading Sharing Loss
Beautiful Schuylar
A light went out this week. She was 31 years old and brightened every room she entered. And while I know Schuyler is free from her cancerous body, I am saddened that when she was separated from it she was also separated from husband and son. Pardon me for saying so, but it isn’t fair. … Continue reading Beautiful Schuylar
Knee Update
I try to be a positive person. I look for the silver lining and generally have learned finding the positive far outweighs the harping on the negative. Yet, I admit I can also be a skeptic. My inner cynic comes out when my life experiences have tainted me in a negative way. My medical history … Continue reading Knee Update
Michelle's Mosaic 