I met Jimmy through my dad. They are in the same support group of men caring for their wives who have dementia. The group has grown, but Dad and Jimmy were part of the original three. Their friendship is born from the shared pain and vulnerability of being caregivers. Dad gave Jimmy Words to the … Continue reading Jimmy and Marie
grief
Sharing Loss
Photo: Mike Hunter (the day they brought her home from the shelter) The dementia journey is fraught with loss. At every turn, your loved one is fading away which causes its own sort of slow dying process in your heart as a caregiver. Your emotional state is tied to their wellbeing; each step of their … Continue reading Sharing Loss
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
Sitting With Grief
You may have noticed I have been missing in action as of late. I have learned, from doing it wrong so many times in my life, that grief takes an enormous amount of energy. When I am in a season of grieving, I have to give it space. That means giving up other things, so … Continue reading Sitting With Grief
Gravity
Walking yesterday, I felt gravity pulling my shoes down. It flowed through my body and I could feel the heavy weight of it. An invisible force always tugging towards the center of the earth, and it was in my feet. Every step heavier than the previous one. Every upward movement a battle. To lift my … Continue reading Gravity
Dear Christ Followers
Dear Christ Followers, Our streets are burning with the fire of grief. There is a deep sorrow which has ripped open a wound that has never healed properly. It is raw and gapping and exposed. In ancient days, there would have been the tearing of clothes, there would have been sackcloth and ashes. There would … Continue reading Dear Christ Followers
The First Corona Death
My friend Terry lost her husband yesterday. It is the first Corona death of someone I know. I have heard that by the time it is over, we will all know someone who has died from it. I know several who have battled this foe. Some of them are in ICU to receive critical care, … Continue reading The First Corona Death
Warm and Fuzzy Christmas
I have always loved Christmas. For me, as a child, it was a magical time. Lights, presents, caroling, friends, shows, music, family… all of it, just made me feel warm and fuzzy. As I grew up, I continued to love the warm and fuzzy parts of the season and tried to pass them along to … Continue reading Warm and Fuzzy Christmas
Unexpected Sorrow
A wave of sorrow hit me yesterday unexpectedly, but I have come to recognize grief when it knocks on my heart’s door. I’m not sure if I can say grief is my friend, but I am getting acquainted with the daily visits and finding they are a pressure release…if I don’t slam the door. Grieving … Continue reading Unexpected Sorrow
Weep With Those Who Weep
No parent wants to lose a child. It is a nightmare we all hope we never have to live through. When tragedy strikes, our hearts break, and we weep with those who weep. There are no words that can turn back time to the minutes before. There is no comfort that can ease the ‘what … Continue reading Weep With Those Who Weep
Michelle's Mosaic 