dementia Archives - Colleen Kelly Mellor: I Write of Heroes

April 6, 2022

“Hands Off, My Man!”

“Hands Off, My Man!” Oh, she was cagey. Before the attendees arrived, she slunk in and chose the seat at the back of the room, right next to Paul who, for all intents and purposes, was oblivious to her intentions. It was then I saw and heard her: “Oh, you look just like Roy Rogers […]

March 27, 2022

Traveling Man: A Poem

“Traveling Man” See the dimple in his cheek? He’s only got one. Says it came from A screwdriver ricocheting back On him When he was a child I believe him Cuz he’s cheated death Countless times. Hell, I saved him On 2 occasions. Once, a piece of steak I cooked Lodged in his throat. I […]

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March 18, 2022

But Does He Really Have Alzheimer’s?

But Does He Really Have Alzheimer’s? It’s a confounding disease—Alzheimer’s. And no 2 people get this disease the same way. Sometimes, his illness is very obvious, showing up as serious cognitive problems, but at other times, my partner can be amazingly “on,” as in witty, fun, engaging. The disease, at times, makes me wonder about my […]

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March 8, 2022

If You Don’t Think a Small Kindness Matters

If You Don’t Think a Small Kindness Matters I’m here to tell you it does matter. Case in point? When I got very ill a few years back. Paul needed to go to a facility but because I was so sick, I couldn’t check them out ahead of […]

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October 28, 2021

“Lady in the Waiting Room”

“Lady in the Waiting Room” She was tiny. A frail, 5’ tall, older woman who entered the waiting room, looked around, and sat on one of the empty chairs. She never went up to check in with the receptionist behind the glass. Most of the chairs in the room were taken. Over the next hour, […]

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