A Piece of My Mind

After receiving, reviewing, and reading articles for this edition of GreeneScene, I noticed a recurring theme. At the time, I was also contemplating the idea of writing my own monthly column. Then, another “sign” of things to come appeared when I was traveling with my dad last week and a chicken ran out in the road in front of us in Waynesburg.

What does this all mean? For me, the recurring chicken theme, along with chicken pictures and the chicken literally crossing the road all take me to the same place in my mind, precious memories of my friend Melinda.
Melinda McNeely was a daughter of Dr. AJ (Pat) and Grace Patterson. She was born and raised in Waynesburg, married the love of her life, Jim, and started a family. Some may fondly remember her as the “crazy chicken lady.”
In addition to raising her children, Michael and Angie, Melinda took pride and pleasure in raising chickens, ducks, horses, and quail. She loved her family unconditionally and loved her animals the same way.

I met Melinda in the spring of 2004, when I started a new job at the general surgery office of Dr. AJ Patterson, Jr and Dr. Rob Cicchino as an office nurse. Melinda and I became fast friends as we spent many mornings together in the office, talking, laughing, and sharing our joys and concerns. Her daily schedule was very different. She had to leave at 2:00 every afternoon. She said she had to go home to “put the kids to bed.” I can only imagine the confused look on my face, since I knew that her kids were grown adults with jobs and families of their own. Then she explained that the “kids” she referred to were the chickens. They had names and personalities. Every single one was something special, even if only to her.

If you find that peculiar, imagine the surprise of her taxidermist. Melinda was an avid hunter, and she sent several trophy bucks to be mounted and eventually displayed in her den. Likewise, some of her chickens and her quail were sent for preservation. However, they were never displayed as trophies, but instead as part of her life that she couldn’t part with.

I sat in a chair next to Melinda the day her cancer diagnosis was confirmed. She underwent aggressive treatments, lost weight, and lost her hair. I only saw her cry once; despite the pain and adversity she faced. She showed me what it means to have inner strength while focusing on the fierceness of fighting.

Unfortunately, Melinda McNeely, a wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away in September 2009 at age 55. I could probably fill pages with stories about Melinda. And, if you’re wondering if she was a bit crazy, maybe she was. If it’s crazy to love unconditionally, whether family, farm animals, or feathered friends, then the answer is absolutely, positively YES! Memories of Melinda will always occupy space in my mind. I miss my friend.

So, here’s a piece of my mind- Be bold but be kind always. Embrace a bit of craziness, especially if that means loving others. Love unconditionally, like Melinda did.