Sometimes tears pop out of my eyes for no reason. At least, I don’t usually know why at the moment it happens. It is unexpected, and it hits in the most unlikely of places. I am familiar with how much my senses can trigger my tears. I remember when Hannah was traveling the world for … Continue reading Surprised by Grief
Our Dementia Journey
Sweet Dreams
In my dreams, Mom is either talking and sharing wisdom or lost and unreachable. There is no in between. As a life-long dreamer I have become a student of my dreams. Some, I write off to whatever I had for dinner the night before. Others contain insights and perspectives I have never considered before. Some … Continue reading Sweet Dreams
Guest Blog
Today I am sharing a guest blog written by my sister Melinda Jenkins. Our dementia journey with Mom is a difficult one for all of us. These words are Melinda's perspective as we continue to walk through the seasons of this dreaded disease with grace that only God can give. Leaving the Winter Season and … Continue reading Guest Blog
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
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
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
Sweetie
“Sweetie, Sweetie, Sweetie,” she said. Three times in a row. “My Sweetie.” Her eyes lit up and a smile crept up her cheeks. Her hands reached for him. His eyes filled with tears, as he reached back, “I love you so much,” he choked out. She leaned forward, lips puckered, reaching for a kiss. He … Continue reading Sweetie
Sister Tattoos
When my sister, Melinda turned 50, she ran a half marathon. She has a thing for marking milestones and she’s good at it. I have no doubt now, five years later, she could have run another half or even a whole one, but she picked something different this year. She decided to get her first … Continue reading Sister Tattoos
Glorious Day
Grieving a person who is still alive is difficult. My heart is a puzzle and Mom is a piece. Without her the whole thing threatens to fall apart, yet she is still here. Her piece of my puzzle isn’t gone, it gradually fades creating a transparent hole. The hole gets bigger each time I want … Continue reading Glorious Day
Cranberry Sauce
Sometimes grief comes galloping into the heart like a battering ram at the front door, forcing its way inside. Other times grief sneaks in the back door, like a thief, and makes its way to the table. On big days, such as Thanksgiving, the heart knows to guard the front door. All the memories come … Continue reading Cranberry Sauce
Michelle's Mosaic 