Author Archives: Melanie M.

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”

Merry Christmas! My Heart is so full during the holiday season. Even in years when tragedies struck or in the more recent past, when I was facing more treatment, I always fought to experience the joy that has been mine every December since I can remember. Let’s just get this out of the way now:Continue reading “Merry Christmas!”

Just after Jesus and his disciples finished their last meal together, Jesus took the disciples, these friends, to accompany him to the Garden of Gethsemane. The mood was somber. Although Jesus had told them what would unfold, they cannot fully grasp what He is about to endure. These friends had traveled, eaten, laughed, and criedContinue reading “What A Friend We Have”

Scanxiety: I used this word in my blog introduction. Several scans have come and gone since then. The reports have been very encouraging, profound even. But here I am, just days before my next scans, and I am a mess. I am afraid. Terrified. I fight the fear, grasp for normalcy. I read. I cook.Continue reading “Fear Not”

We hear these words and say them to others, but for some the holidays are anything but. This time of year can be difficult and painful, even dark. Christmas can be a time when loved ones are more noticeably absent, serious or chronic health issues try to overshadow hope, broken relationships are more apparent, andContinue reading “Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!”

Recently, I traveled back to my hometown in Texas for my 35th high school reunion. I had not been able to attend any of my reunions thus far, so there was a lot of catching up to do. There weren’t many of us there, but how fun it was to recall a time when theContinue reading “Homecoming”