Carey Kell models some What the Zel bling.
A painting of morel mushrooms by Pat Kell for her mother-in-law Carey Kell.
Pat Kell modeling some What the Zel bling in honor of her beloved mother-in-law Carey Kell.
My first memory of Carey Kell was her meeting me at the front door of their home. She hugged me and kissed me on my cheek. I was a little surprised. More than surprised, I was shocked! I came from a strong “Swedish” family who were not very demonstrative. From that day forward, our relationship grew.
We found that we had a lot in common. She had lost her father at age four and I lost mine at age seven.
She was a lady that taught me so much about life. She was a beautiful woman on the inside and out. I felt truly blessed to have her as my mother-in-law.
She did not have an easy life. My father-in-law was an adopted child and her family was not in favor of their marriage. They were concerned because they did not know his heritage. But she showed them all how little that mattered. They raised four boys together, but because her husband was a salesman and wasn’t home very much, I feel Carey was the main influence on her son’s lives.
She was very kind, generous, athletic, smart, humorous, an excellent gardener, and a good listener. I was instantly accepted by her, with all my faults. She introduced me to the love of nature and flowers. We would go out into the woods to find morel mushrooms and pick wild blackberries.
At age 81 Carey was still playing tennis and golfing. When she had a fall and hit her head, from that time on, she was on a downward spiral. She eventually ended up having to sell her home and go into a nursing home. Eventually, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She wanted to go back home, but was able to accept what was happening to her.
I painted a picture of morel mushrooms for her to have in her room so she could remember all the good times we had in her woods. She taught me how to accept things we can’t change. As time went by, with every visit, I saw a little less of the Carey I knew and loved. Then, once in a while, I would get those precious moments were she would remember me. It was then that I could tell her how much I loved her and how important she was in my life. Whenever I said good-bye, I always gave her a hug and a kiss on her cheek. She was the best mother-in-law in the whole world. God blessed me with her presence in my life!
Pat Kell