Another guest blog...this one from Kara, the youngest of Michael's children. Alcoholism is a long complex journey, but there is often lots of good mixed into the hard. In this blog, Kara remembers the good times with her Dad. My Dear Dad By Kara Hunter I sit here on my porch, listening to Tom Petty … Continue reading Guest Blog – My Dear Dad
grief
Guest Blog- Assumption
This guest blog is written by David, Michael's son. He wanted me to share it with you so you can see Michael's strengths, but also as a reminder to show the love you have. Do not assume you will always get tomorrow. Assumption by David Hunter As humans, when we go to bed, most of … Continue reading Guest Blog- Assumption
Hard Things
We received a call from a hospital in Jacksonville that our brother was in neuro intensive care after a fall. He was living on Amelia Island and Jacksonville was the closest hospital for this type of injury. We all got there as fast as possible. Melinda and Kara flew in first and met David who … Continue reading Hard Things
Culture Shock
I cannot find words easily these days. Grief of losing both my parents is certainly a contributing factor, but it’s more than that. The world seems to have gone mad. Mean even. Ugliness is everywhere. I don’t do well with intentional spitefulness. My heart shrinks back. I was taught if you don’t have something nice … Continue reading Culture Shock
Our Swiss Sister
We have a Swiss sister named Isabelle. She became a part of our family around 1983, because she came to live with Mom and Dad in Clayton. At 15 years old, she travelled to the U.S. on her own. She ended up at Rabun County High School, where she and Melinda became fast friends. Since … Continue reading Our Swiss Sister
A Great Love (Part 2)
In 2020, when we moved Mom to memory care I wrote this blog entitled A Great Love. It was a tribute to the love I witnessed between my parents and how their devotion to each other impacted everyone around them. Now they celebrate their Great Love every day. I can’t imagine. What is it like … Continue reading A Great Love (Part 2)
Sweet Dreams
I have two memories which float through my brain when I wake in the night. They circle in my head, like planes in a holding pattern waiting on the right conditions to land. It seems they never quite touch the ground, but just keep the loop going enough to prevent my mind from resting fully. … Continue reading Sweet Dreams
Dear Grief,
Pardon the wee hour. It seems to me this is your most active time, when I am sleeping, or attempting to. Grief, I am more than familiar with your sneaky-behind-the-scenes ways. Frustration bubbles over at a family member or a co-worker. Sadness pops up at a television commercial and tears roll. Confusion over which cereal … Continue reading Dear Grief,
Death Watch
One year ago, we were holding vigil at Mom’s bedside. A death watch…a time of waiting for death to arrive. Hospice sounded the alarm that her time had come. We didn’t leave her side. Her body was weakening. Her breathing was a rattle. Then a gurgle. We took turns beside the bed. Reading her favorite … Continue reading Death Watch
Hi Dad,
I’m porch sitting this morning. The cozy chair from your back porch has made the transition to mine. When I sit here, I find comfort that you sat here before me. Silly, but sitting in this chair helps me to feel closer to you. And I am listening to the birds, trying to identify them … Continue reading Hi Dad,
Michelle's Mosaic 