Author Archives: Melanie M.

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”

I enjoy each of the seasons—at the beginning of each I am sure that one is my favorite. I love long summer days, the feeling of the sun warming my face. A crisp autumn day is perfect for a walk and baking a loaf of pumpkin bread. Short, dark winter days are cozy and restful.Continue reading “Seasons”

Why Me? If you live long enough, there will come a day when you ask, “Why me?” Or maybe “Why my child?” “My mother?”  “My marriage?” “My business?” “Why…?” And usually, there are no good answers. When I received that first terrible phone call from my doctor, the one of too many which start “IContinue reading “Why Me?”

This post was written on July 5, 2021. It is a stream-of- consciousness following the holiday weekend. I was raised to appreciate being American. I know that the Fourth of July is not something all Americans feel like celebrating, especially after the last year we have experienced. I know for some, that seems unpatriotic. ThisContinue reading “Reflections On Humanity”

Welcome to my blog: Between the Scans. I was diagnosed with melanoma in early 2016. From the start, it was serious. I had been hypervigilant about routine dermatology. I grew up in Texas. I loved being outside. So, how did this happen? The words “invasive melanoma” were not the words I wanted to hear. ItContinue reading “A perfect day to start a blog!”