When I was a little girl we used to go to my Uncle Iman and Aunt Polly’s house on Christmas Eve. It was a whole family affair with lots of people I didn’t know. I only knew I got presents from all of them. I remember a bowl of nuts with a nutcracker, my uncle’s … Continue reading Unglued
grief
Recovery
I have had a few major surgeries in my life where they took significant body parts out of me. I had to learn to pay attention to my body in ways I had never considered before. Mainly, because my body couldn’t do what it used to right away. This involved relearning how to move, when … Continue reading Recovery
Advent ~ Week 2 ~ Peace
The Bethlehem Candle represents the light of the world breaking through the darkness. The Prince of Peace coming to rescue us all. I think of the carol Silent Night, and while I know silence wasn’t likely true in a barn full of animals and a newborn, I do think there is a kind of spiritual … Continue reading Advent ~ Week 2 ~ Peace
Advent ~ Week 1 ~ Hope
I did some errands last week. Pre-Thanksgiving. I was not there to Christmas shop, I just needed a couple of items. A quick run in and out I thought. However, when I walked into the door of the store I was hit in the face with hundreds of Christmas items, crowded isles, and long lines. … Continue reading Advent ~ Week 1 ~ Hope
Farewell to Peanut
My phone felt like cement in my hand. Bringing it to my ear was a monumental task and took all of my energy; scheduling the appointment I didn’t want to make. Telling the vet, I am ready, when I am anything but. I am not ready, but Peanut is. He is in pain. He is … Continue reading Farewell to Peanut
The Sparrow
It’s been a year since Dad died. A year since the excruciating day we said our goodbyes. November 13. It seems like yesterday and a decade ago all at the same time. Funny how time warps itself when traumatic situations occur. I am somewhere in the folded pages of that time trying to find my … Continue reading The Sparrow
My Sister
Every family needs a medical person. Ours is my sister Melinda. She has been our go-to since she was in nursing school. Now that she has her doctorate and is a nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience, she has no way out of being our family's designated medical person. From phone calls about … Continue reading My Sister
Dear Alcoholism,
I see you. I know you come disguised as a choice. A twisted choice. You start your mind games at a very young age. Laying your trap well ahead. You play the long game. Unsuspecting kids don’t know that. They only see what you lay out before them. Fun or boredom. Cool kid or fuddy-duddy. … Continue reading Dear Alcoholism,
Waters of Grief
I dipped my toe into the waters of grief 8 years ago when Mom’s dementia took hold. I rolled up my pant legs and waded, allowing the sand to squish between my toes. Soon I was waist deep. With every loss of function Mom experienced, I went deeper in. Before long, I was up to … Continue reading Waters of Grief
Guest Blog- A Good Man Named Michael
Addiction is a quiet burden for families. It comes with a truckload of heartache for all those touched by it. Suffering in silence as your loved one goes down a path of self-destruction can break you because there is nothing you can do. Not one thing. This guest blog by Melinda, describes the difficulty our … Continue reading Guest Blog- A Good Man Named Michael
Michelle's Mosaic 