My Aunt Betty had a best friend named Mary Frances. She was spoken of at every family gathering as if she was sitting in the room. We met many times because often she was at a concert we attended or at Betty’s house when we were there. Betty told us all about Mary Frances, and … Continue reading Mary Frances Early
Dear Healthcare Provider (Guest Blog)
Recently, I wrote a blog about Mom's hospital stay. I wrote it from the perspective of a family caregiver and addressed it directly to the hospital. Now my sister Melinda, a nurse practitioner, has written a guest blog from the perspective of a healthcare provider to Healthcare Provider. She makes important points for all those … Continue reading Dear Healthcare Provider (Guest Blog)
Super Bowl Sunday
It seems that the stars have aligned this year. Super Bowl Sunday is on February 2nd, which happens to be Groundhog Day. However, in our house is also Bill’s Alive Day. In honor of this momentous day, I want to tell you a story. In 1988, I was just a young thing who woke to … Continue reading Super Bowl Sunday
Dear Hospital
Dear Hospital, You were created as a place of healing. You exist with a mandate to preserve life. Those who work within your walls are compassionate and desire to help others in the direst of circumstances. They bring health, comfort, and relief to the suffering who have been brought to you for assistance. It is … Continue reading Dear Hospital
A Solitary Path
Caregiving is a solitary path. Watching Dad take care of Mom and even helping him, I can see the toll it takes. She is dependent upon him. We went to a concert together and I saw her needing him. I was right there, but I am not Dad. She seemed to forget how to get … Continue reading A Solitary Path
Compounded Grace
My last blog was about compounded grief, this one is about...compounded grace. Grace resting upon grace. Layering one grace-act upon the other until there is a foundation of solid rock. Compounded grace is beyond feelings. Beyond belief. It is there whether I believe in it or not. This grace counters the grief upon grief … Continue reading Compounded Grace
Compounded Grief
There is an ache in my chest, which wakes my brain. It is not a physical ache, but an emotional one. My brain rouses my eyes and my feet slide out from under the warm covers to tiptoe to my computer…trying not to wake the sleeping dogs. It is a familiar walk through the dark … Continue reading Compounded Grief
Faaaantastic
I spent New Year's Day at St. Joe's hospital in Atlanta. My dad's cousin Jimmy was in ICU, and Dad wanted to go for a visit. Dad, Melinda, and I arrived as life support was about to be turned off, as all attempts for healing had failed. Not what we expected when we were on … Continue reading Faaaantastic
Dear 2019
Dear 2019, You are the last year of a decade, which means you are special. I am even more reflective because of your “end of the decade” status. You certainly had some twists and turns. Some ups and downs. You were like a flurry of hope at the beginning. Aren’t all new years? My list … Continue reading Dear 2019
Dear Friends and Family (2)
Dad and I talk together pretty often about Mom’s daily condition. We look at her new behaviors and we try to analyze what each one means. Is she getting worse? Is this new? Is she sick or is her mind just disconnected? Melinda and Dad also analyze every moment especially the medical ones. Everything that … Continue reading Dear Friends and Family (2)
Michelle's Mosaic 