Author Archives: Melanie M.

Written December 2023 I just watched our 2003 Suburban drive away for the last time. While I am sure our neighbors are glad it is gone, and to some extent I am, too, there is a bit of sadness in watching that faithful behemoth leave. On a crisp, clear South Carolina winter day, I wentContinue reading “Ode To The Suburban”

The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve can be a time of relief, rest, reflection or even emotional letdown. I never really know how I am going to feel during this time, but regardless, I always take a moment after the Christmas rush to indulge in a slow morning or an entire lazy dayContinue reading “Oh, Christmas Tree!”

(Written August 2021) We just helped our youngest return for his final year of college at Gonzaga University. We moved our older two boys into college only one time each, but somehow, we have helped the youngest move in three times (four, if you count the year my sister-in-law and my middle son helped himContinue reading “Back To School…One Last Time”

July 2, 2022 I am with my dad as I write this. Waiting. Watching. Making sure he knows I am here. I have just relieved my very tired mother from this vigil. She and my sisters have been taking shifts. We don’t want him to die alone. I wonder, how much life is enough? EveryContinue reading “The Legacy”

Among the four of us, ten sons raised to adulthood. By the soft, misty light on what had been a rainy spring South Carolina day, we sit catching up on time passed since we last saw each other, reflecting on memories of our friendships, and complimenting each other on our glasses, relatively new accessories forContinue reading “Blessed”

“Mimi, angs (eggs)!” My darling 2½ year old grandson shouted with delight when he spied the very real-looking speckled eggs in my open box of Easter decorations. What a wonderful age! I never understood the phrase “terrible twos.”  I absolutely love this stage! Everything is new and exciting. Each day is exhilarating. There is aContinue reading “Easter Eggstravaganza!”

Defining Boss & Feminism A writing from my friend Kristal‘ ‘s blog post in January 2024. I hope you enjoy this post written by my friend Kristal, who is a business owner, wife, mom of three boys, and seminary student. She is one of those people who simply radiate joy. She is kind, but strong.Continue reading “Cringe Words”

Christmas is almost here, and I am ready! The gifts are wrapped, the cookies baked, the menu set. It is my favorite time of the season. I do love the hustle and bustle, but I also treasure the contrasting silent night. I absolutely love to linger by the tree with a cup of coffee, aContinue reading “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

On a gray, rainy, winter day in the Pacific Northwest, a man is released from prison. He has done his time; he is clean and sober. He waits for his ride, someone from his past. He needs to get home, to the care and love of his mother. He puts his small bag of personalContinue reading “UNWORTHY”