Contributions by Michele Hiester Marcum
![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015dec-glitter.jpg)
For those of us who have lost a service member, we have our own story about a journey, a star, and the blue that turned to gold.
12/22/2015 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015nov-marcum.jpg)
Ever notice how holiday greetings begin with “happy”? Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Holidays! Even Fridays become Happy Friday!
11/25/2015 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015nov-ten.jpg)
A decade. Ten very long years that have seemingly whizzed by on dragging feet since my brother left this earth.
11/3/2015 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015oct-pumpkin.jpg)
It’s that spook-tacular time of year, with all things creepy and frightening lurking in the shadows and lunging from television ads.
10/31/2015 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2015/2015jan-marcum.jpg)
Guilt. Regret. Sorrow. They all have their place. But so do joy, humor, and forgiveness.
1/20/2015 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014jul-marcum.jpg)
More than nine years have disappeared since my brother died in Afghanistan. Nearly 3400 days. Or more than 4,896,000 minutes, if I were counting.
7/14/2014 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014may-flagsunset.jpg)
Being a true Patriot means that we actively seek ways to honor the fallen by teaching the living.
5/26/2014 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2014/2014jan-marcum.jpg)
I have my memories, both old and new. And for that, I am grateful.
1/20/2014 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/19-4-rockon.jpg)
The truth is, there really is a magical quality about the holiday season. When you’re not grieving, that is.
12/21/2013 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013sep-words.jpg)
I communicate. It's what I do. Ironically, one of the highest hurdles I've had to cross is that of communication after.
9/2/2013 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013may-marcum.jpg)
I remember the sacrifice, both my brother's and mine. I remember your sacrifice too. Yes, yours. I remember the very person for whom you grieve.
9/2/2013 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013jan-fist.jpg)
I feel like I’m somehow betraying my brother’s memory by not being rip-roaring, chest-beating, sky-screaming bitter about his death.
9/2/2013 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013jun-marcum.jpg)
To scramble them in any way would be awkward and somehow less meaningful.
6/24/2013 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013mar-porch.jpg)
Through TAPS, I have met so many thoughtful, caring, “been there” people who have become like family. I look forward to this annual tradition of “coming home”.
3/31/2013 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013mar-marcum.jpg)
When March 1 rolls around, I feel like every emotion within my being has been placed in a cup and shaken with an enthusiasm I no longer possess.
3/11/2013 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2013/2013feb-marcum.jpg)
It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, my friends. What does your heart remember?
2/11/2013 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012nov-thanksgiving.jpg)
Well, this will be our eighth Thanksgiving without my brother, and I just really can’t believe it’s been that long!
11/19/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012jun-marcum.jpg)
Grief, like the waves, has a way of healing us, of returning us to dry land.
11/19/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012aug-marcum.jpg)
Vacations have always been a prominent source of my most treasured childhood memories.
8/27/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012jul-marcum.jpg)
I have a wish for YOU! Not a wish that speaks of regret, but one that leads to healing. Explore the opportunities TAPS provides.
7/29/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012jun-marcum.jpg)
Am I supposed to be celebrating your birthday? Do the angels throw parties in heaven like we do on Earth?
7/1/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012aug-marcum.jpg)
I don’t know where I’m headed most days, but I know where I’ve been. And I’m learning that my destination is one of discovery.
6/25/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/18-2-sibling.jpg)
Co-conspirators. Confidants. Comrades. Two apples from the very same tree. Two peas tucked in a single pod. That was us, my brother and me…
6/21/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012may-memday.jpg)
Memorial Day no longer ushers in anything more than my official right to grieve the loss of my brother.
5/28/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2012/2012may-marcum.jpg)
I am Michele. And I am a survivor. My story mirrors that of every other TAPS survivor.
5/3/2012 - Michele Hiester Marcum![img-description](/globalassets/our-stories/2011/17-4-fireplace.jpg)
We’re learning to allow laughter back in, to allow the mirth to meld with the sorrow. It’s the way Michael would have wanted it.
12/21/2011 - Michele Hiester Marcum