My Adventures with Mel Continue

by Donna Swagerty Shreve

• Mel Corren and Marcia Lou McKenzie at her home 2015

Mel had asked and Marcia Lou had asked if they could get together once again and chat. We had tried the visit two years ago with great feelings of success. The time was now for another go. Our appointed time at Marcia Lou’s was 10:00. I arrived at Mel’s home at 9:30. I wanted a cushion in case we needed any extra time. Little did I know I would need that cushion of time plus more.

As I parked my car in the driveway, I couldn’t help but notice that the shutters on the front windows were closed. This was not the usual look. It was the first red flag. I went up to the front door and rang the door bell. Nothing happened inside the home. I rang it a second time. Nothing. My next step was to try calling the land line. It went to a recording. I then tried Mel’s cell phone number. It went to recording. 

With increasing dread, I called Priscilla, his assistant who checks in with him each day. Her phone went to message and I asked her if she had heard from Mel yet for the day. I now had two choices: call 911 or call his son Donald in New York. I called Donald.

After I explained to Donald all of the steps I had taken to try to reach his father, he told me how to get the secret key. I then unlocked the three locks on the two front doors and entered the home. I still had Donald on the phone. I called out to Mel but no response. I described the house with only the stove light on which told Donald and me that Mel had not gotten up yet. Donald gave me the choice of stopping and calling 911 but I said I could continue and headed for Mel’s bedroom.

As I entered the bedroom I saw that his bed was empty. I saw the entrance to the bathroom with Mel’s walker parked in the doorway. Again I yelled out Mel’s name. Nothing. I decided to give Mel a few minutes before I assumed he was on the floor, I went back to the living room and waited. I continued talking to Donald for a bit and then told him I was heading back to the bedroom.

As I entered the bedroom, there was Mel standing by his bed in his underwear. When he saw me, he asked what was I doing in his bedroom. I saw that he did not have on his glasses and probably not his hearing aides. I yelled and motioned for him to get dressed. I returned to the living room and finished my call with Donald. Quickly I called Priscilla to leave another message that Mel was alive and well. This time she answered and I was able to fill her in with an update. Then I called Marcia Lou and explained that we would be late by probably a half an hour.

Soon I heard Mel call for me to come back to the bedroom. Now he was mostly dressed and was wearing his glasses and hearing aides. I reminded him that we were due at Marcia Lou’s for a visit. He had forgotten and slept in but he had a good excuse.

The evening before he had been invited over for dinner at some friends. They offered him a cocktail and he accepted. He usually does not drink much any more but decided to abide. He was offered a second drink and unwisely accepted. After getting very full on a delicious meal and a bit tipsy, he was taken home and collapsed into bed. His body needed extra sleep and thus he was not ready when I arrived.

We made it to Marcia Lou’s a half an hour late and had another delightful visit. After an hour and a half visit, off we went to get lunch. I had offered stopping for breakfast on our way but he had said he was not that hungry. I do believe by lunch time he had an appetite. Given the choice of restaurants Mel chose Denny’s as he enjoys their waffles and it is sentimental for him as he used to go there often with his wife Harriet. He ate half of his first order and had an order to go to eat later for dinner. I made sure his refrigerator had a good supply of meals waiting for him and then left him so he could take a nap.

Mel and Donald now know that if there is a problem, I will investigate until I know Mel is all right. I also know that I am willing to check on Mel if there is any doubt to his welfare. My adventures with Mel have been varied and always exciting.

813 words 

5/13/2025

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