Theodore McDowell is a retired attorney who grew up with his older sister within the family crucible of abuse, alcoholism, and mental illness. Mr. McDowell’s adult years were also shaped by trauma, including the death of his sister by suicide, addiction, mental illness, and a traumatic brain injury.
This poetic memoir explores McDowell’s relationship with his sister. Within the family of origin, his sister was his protector, shaman, guardian angel, and best friend. Her death by suicide as an adult was a significant loss in Theodore’s life. The poems explore McDowell’s grief and healing from the loss. Ultimately, he finds meaning and hope in his sister’s beautiful and creative life.
McDowell has previously published five additional poetry books. Yearning for Human Touch is a collection of poems and short stories on trauma. Evenings on the Edge of Death addresses the traumas within his family of origin and the heartbreaking death of his mother from dementia. Excavating the Cruelty of Memories focuses on Theodore’s adult traumas, such as addiction, a traumatic brain injury, mental illness, and periods of living on the streets of downtown Atlanta. Finally, Drinking from God’s Well highlights the healing, reconciliation, and hope related to these traumas through the grace of God. Finally, Stained Glass Tainted by Dementia explores Mr. McDowell’s relationship with his mother as she experienced the long goodbye of dementia and his grieving and healing process after her death. The book also examines dementia from the perspective of individuals with dementia, family members, and caretakers.
McDowell currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia and is married with five adult children and seven grandchildren scattered across the United States.
Paperback: 142 pages
Publisher: Kelsay Books (March 10, 2026)
Also available on Kindle