I slide out of my bed and pull on my yellow shorts and striped yellow and white tank top. My bare feet pad quietly out of the bedroom. He sits on the porch. Watching the waves roll in. Never a coffee drinker, his hands instead caress his camera. Dad. Taking in the sunrise with his … Continue reading The Small Things
Author: michellegunnin
Hands Off
I went to my first ever political protest on Saturday. I surprised myself, because generally I am not a political person. I don’t vote the party line. I vote for who I think is the best candidate for the job, no matter which party. Maybe this is because one of my grandfathers told me never … Continue reading Hands Off
The Storm
The rain on my rooftop stills my heart. The thunder rolls around and through the valley, reminding me that storms are mobile. They do not stay forever. The deluge pounds the shelter over my head. It rolls down outside my window like a waterfall, creating a familiar hiss. The lightning and thunder are having a … Continue reading The Storm
Sister Tattoos (Part 2)
Four years ago, Melinda and I got sister tattoos as part of our caregiver journey. I wrote about it here. Back then, we marked our hard journey; etched it on our bodies as a way to memorialize the love between Mom and Dad. Dementia was taking its toll and Dad was a weary knight in … Continue reading Sister Tattoos (Part 2)
Bracing Myself
Me among the daffodils as a child. When grieving, I know to brace myself for the “firsts” …first holiday season, first Mother’s Day, first Father’s Day, etc… This Friday will be Mom’s birthday. She would have been 86. My photo memories have already sent me last year’s pictures of her birthday celebration. My heart was … Continue reading Bracing Myself
Welcome Newcomers
I was at a book festival this past weekend. I met some authors from around the Southeast, as well as some lovely readers. I wanted to take today to welcome these newcomers to Michelle’s Mosaic. You will find I write about many topics as I process life. Feel free to browse around all the categories. … Continue reading Welcome Newcomers
Image Dei
I found a couple of words… Imago Dei - latin for the image of God. Genesis says from the very beginning; every person was created in God’s image. The beggar. The refugee. The displaced. The sex workers. The poor. The addict. The tax collector. The religious. The disabled. I have had the privilege to see … Continue reading Image Dei
I Believe in Thank Yous
I believe in thank yous. Showing appreciation is such a small thing, but it can have big results. And, it is not hard to do. Simple really. Try it. Say thank you to someone today and watch their face light up. It has to be genuine and your face must show that you are indeed … Continue reading I Believe in Thank Yous
Blank Page (update)
I keep a note in my phone. When I think of a topic or a phrase, or something or another jumps out at me, I jot it down on a list of sorts, so I won’t forget. When I am writing, I open this note and scan it for ideas. It refreshes my creativity and … Continue reading Blank Page (update)
Hole in My Soul
I lost my voice. No talking for several days, shouting to create a whisper. Just as well. I haven’t had much to say lately. No words, at least. Lots of feelings. None that I can really describe. Turns out, a week or so of silence is just what I needed. There is no pressure to … Continue reading Hole in My Soul
Michelle's Mosaic 