Having all of my children, including my grandson, under my roof this Thanksgiving has made me more emotional than usual this year, if that is even possible. One, because it is a rare occurrence when your kids are spread all over the place. Schedules almost never line up, so I usually take whatever time I … Continue reading My Cup Overflows
Family
My Sister
When I was 3, I got a little sister. I was okay with her until she started getting all the attention. Full of feelings I didn’t understand, I took a pencil and colored our white bathroom countertops solid black. When asked if I had done it, I replied, “No. The baby did it.” I couldn’t … Continue reading My Sister
Welcome Shepherd!
When I had my first baby I was convinced I was going to die. Bill kindly said, “You are not going to die, Honey.” Yet, I made him promise to sue the hospital once I did, so he would have enough money to raise the baby without me. Seriously, he had to solemnly swear and … Continue reading Welcome Shepherd!
Land of the Storytellers
Ireland is known for its stories. I think the wind and the waves started something, and the music picked it up and ran with it. Myths and legends blend with history and hardship to weave a tapestry of tales. They interlock into the backdrop causing imagination to flourish. The fairies, giants, and banshees, the love … Continue reading Land of the Storytellers
The Churches of Ireland
I live in the Southern United States, the Bible Belt, where there is a church on every corner, so I am familiar with multitudes of churches. In Ireland, the spires of the churches are the tallest buildings in every skyline. In villages, the church is not only the largest building, it is often in the … Continue reading The Churches of Ireland
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
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
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
Michelle's Mosaic 