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
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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
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
Guest Blog – My Dear Dad
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
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
Guest Blog- Wild Horses
When we were gathered around Michael’s bed to before the chaplain prayed, Liane, Michael’s oldest daughter, played Wild Horses by the Rolling Stones for him. The atmosphere changed and it felt as if he was “hearing it” with us. It was powerful. Here Liane has written a guest blog about why she chose that specific … Continue reading Guest Blog- Wild Horses
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
Michelle's Mosaic 