The devastating pictures from Helene have my heart breaking this morning. Some of my favorite places have been completely destroyed. I know this storm affected many states, but the crisis in NC and Tennessee is the majority of what I have been seeing. All of Western NC is cut off from the outside world. No … Continue reading Helene
Update
It’s no secret Mom and Dad had quite a remarkable love story. It was in no way perfect, but their dedication, commitment and love for each other was unmatched. Since Mom passed, the number one question I get asked is, “How is your Dad?” That is understandable, since their story was well known and since … Continue reading Update
Caught by Surprise
Our new book is gaining some traction and we have been invited to speak in different locations. Our first presentation was for a group of Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers. I was a bit nervous, but excited to get this book into the hands of caregivers who need it. I made the drive to Greenville … Continue reading Caught by Surprise
Prayer Chair
I inherited Mom’s prayer chair. It is a fluffy upholstered seat that hugs you when you sit in it. It has a matching ottoman for my feet. The fabric has a white background with a floral pattern of blues and greens. A soothing place to sit. Next to it, is a table with a family … Continue reading Prayer Chair
Apalachee
I have sat in a shadowy classroom, cowered in corners, and pasted on a smile, as if a shooter drill is no big deal. I have dried tears and assured scared children that I would not allow a shooter to get past me to get to them. During my career, shooter drills were not my … Continue reading Apalachee
Fall Whispers
I’m sitting on my writing porch in the cool of the morning. My little dog is on my lap, but today he needs a blanket and so do I. It’s in the 50s. I slow my breath so that it comes deep and unhurried. Soaking up the low humidity and temperature. There are also quite … Continue reading Fall Whispers
The Other Shoe
I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. It always does. So far, my grieving has been primarily relief, and even joy, that Mom is whole again. Her suffering is over and that makes me glad, not sad. Yet, I know grief comes in stages, and I have been expecting the sadness to show … Continue reading The Other Shoe
John and Gene
John was 5 years old when his dad died. Shot, in a case of mistaken identity that shook the small Ga town of Camilla where he lived. Gene lost his mom to cancer. His dad was so overcome with grief that he took his own life the same day. Phil was a junior in high … Continue reading John and Gene
Closure
The word closure is often used to describe a feeling of peace at the end of something, usually a relationship of some sort. It implies acceptance and release of the person you love. It comes from the Latin for the word shut. Like shutting a door. After Mom’s service, I should have closure of her … Continue reading Closure
Mom’s Eulogy
Mom was a woman of many talents. An organizer extraordinaire. A fabulous cook. A deep thinker. A hospitality queen. A servant and lover of people. An encourager. A follower of Christ. An empathetic ear. A noticer of details. A lover of color and design. And a memory maker. One life contains so many layers, doesn’t … Continue reading Mom’s Eulogy
Michelle's Mosaic 