I am the sentimental one in my family. What that means is that I get all the old family photos, because I cannot bear to think of my great-great grandparent’s picture being sold at a garage sale. If you have been to my house, you have seen the menagerie of family photos that threaten to … Continue reading Stories

This is a poem written by Ray for Louise. It is beautiful. My Louise Pride of my heart. Joy of my soul Delight of my emotion, Object of my devotion With what could I hold So lovely a dream. So beautiful a vision. No price could redeem, So much you mean, You’re an ideal of … Continue reading My Louise

Today I had a much needed day with my girl. Shopping, nails done, dinner, and a hike. It was a respite from the hectic pace of the past few weeks. We found ourselves on the lake path at dusk, just as the birds were saying good night and the bullfrogs were beginning their song. Crickets … Continue reading Summer Symphony

Today is the day things are supposed to be getting back to “normal” after the service for Louise yesterday. But how is that even possible when your world has been shaken and tipped on its end? Went out and about, spending time with all four of my kiddos…a blessing to be sure, but the sun … Continue reading Nothing Will Be the Same

Here is the promised copy of the tribute for Louise. Thank you all for coming to honor her. Your friendship and care for our family is truly a blessing. A Portrait First, I must tell you that Louise would be uncomfortable with people standing around talking about her. She preferred the background to the spotlight. … Continue reading A Portrait

Memorial Service for my mother-in-love Louise Gunnin. Wednesday June 13th, 2012 at 2:00 on the 54th anniversary of her marriage to Ray. First Baptist of Gainesville Chapel. Reception following in the Banquet Hall. In lieu of flowers donations should be sent to The Ministry of Caring of First Baptist Gainesville. A full obituary can be … Continue reading Arrangements

I sit as the dawn breaks, grateful that we could keep Louise home where she wanted to be until the end. It is peaceful here even though my heart is broken. I am surrounded, at this moment by her things, dolls, quilts, and photos. Hard to believe she is really gone because it all remains … Continue reading Joy in the Morning

I am reading Donald Miller lately. I started with one of his books and liked it so much I have, one by one, taken on his others as well. Currently, I am reading A Million Miles in A Thousand Years, a book about living a better story. For a writer, it is especially insightful since … Continue reading The Story

I have never planned a Memorial Service before. I have done, weddings, banquets, teas, luncheons, showers, and pretty much any other event. This is my first Memorial Service, but I have found it is similar planning-wise, to other occasions I have coordinated. The main thing…the good thing, is that it gives purpose to my pain. … Continue reading It Takes a Family

I did not start out on a pilgrimage. It began as a “mark it off the bucket list while you can still walk” trip before my upcoming knee surgery. I made reservations to the Len Foote Hike Inn a while back, before Louise’s most recent rapid decline. I planned, talked my hiking buddy into going, … Continue reading Pilgrimage