Zella Hall by Ben Shaw

Zella Hall was Ben Shaw’s mother-in-law.   They had a good relationship and my father always looked out for her.  When my grandmother could no longer care for herself due to the Alzheimer’s, my parents brought her into their home.  For 2 1/2 years, my parents took care of Zel. Ben was always there for her, even when  this ugly disease robbed Zel’s memories and turned her against her kind and patient son-in-law.  I know how hard it was for my father at the end of Zel’s life and I appreciate all he did for her over the years pre and post Alzheimer’s.

Two things come to mind about my mother-in-law, Zella Hall.  First, the first time I met Zel was when Mom introduced me to her. Mom and I were going out on a date. I arrived to pick up Mom and she invited me in to meet her mother and father. Well , Zel comes to the top of the stairs dressed to the nines. She is all made up ready to go out on the town. My first reaction was, ” WOW” absolutely stunning. It made a lasting impression on me.

Second, now Zel’s one passion was golf.  She played in the rain or shine, cold or hot. She always played by the rules and she always walked the course.  Now me, I play golf to have fun and the score is not a priority.  But Zel would invite me to play once and a while. I would take a cart and she refused to ride with me. She had to walk. Most often she would beat me. She shot down the middle of the fairway and two putted. Me, I hit a long ball into the woods, water hazards, out of bounds and had three or four putts. At the end of the round she would always ask, “How many putts did you have?” That used to ruffle my feathers. But it was always in good fun. Those memories will last forever.

– Ben Shaw