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
writing
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
National Treasures
It is no secret I am a nature lover. I feel connected to the trees. The birds are the soundtrack of my life. The babbling waters of creeks and rivers my companions. When a tree is cut down I feel it in my bones. I know it has to happen sometimes, but it hurts me. … Continue reading National Treasures
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
Sometimes I Wonder
Sometimes I wonder…if we had known what was coming our way, would we have still married? As of this day, July 12, 2025, we’ve had 39 years of surprises, many of them life changing. If we had seen the hardship ahead of time would we have done things differently? I still remember that day. The … Continue reading Sometimes I Wonder
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
The Whirlwind…
There is a whirlwind blowing worldwide. It is disorienting. In the midst, the landscape is changing. From my window, I watch. From the safety of my chair, I see. It is alarming. It is scary when debris flies by, so close. Destruction seems so immanent. Inches away. For now, I am safe from where I … Continue reading The Whirlwind…
Oncologist
I walked through the glass door with my heart in my throat. It is an automated response to this place. My pulse rate increases as I try to find an empty chair. Once a cancer patient, always a cancer patient. I am the only woman with hair today; thin though it is, it’s better than … Continue reading Oncologist
Michelle's Mosaic 