89 ~ Way Out Of My Comfort Zone

By Kay Heitsch

After "L" finished rehab, a decision had to be made about where she would go next. "L" had been living with her daughter, but now, after this broken hip situation, that wasn't an option.

After her stay in rehab, I figured my time with "L" would be over.

I had become friends with the family. Actually, her daughter and son would come quite often to visit, so we had gotten pretty well acquainted.

I was surprised when I was asked if I would go with "L" to a memory care facility, just until she adjusted. Surprised may not be the correct word. Going to a memory care facility was way out of my comfort zone.

The following story may explain why.

When I was in the second or third grade, I was walking to school. A woman who had severe mental issues grabbed me. Somehow, she thought I was her daughter. I can still hear her words, "You're coming home right now!" I was terrified! I kept telling her who I was, and finally she let go of me. From that day on, as a child, I checked under my bed and in the closet every night.

Asking me to go with "L" into a memory care facility was not something I would choose for myself to do. But since I told God I would be "Available," I agreed to do it.

This facility was beautiful. "L's" room was pleasant. Her family had decorated it with some of "L's" furniture, pictures, and other personal items.

"L" and I had only been in her room alone for a very short while when there was a loud BANGING on her door. I opened the door to see an angry resident screaming that we were in her room. Oh my gosh, I began to pray.

I have no idea what I said, but I managed to stay calm, which was a miracle in itself, and I spoke quietly to this lady. Whatever I said seemed to satisfy her, and she left.

"L" didn't seem to be too upset by all the commotion. But I stayed until she went to bed, and I went home.

When I look back on this, I can't help but wonder if God was putting me in this situation to help me get over my fear. I couldn't believe how calm I was staying.

The preparation for the trial continued. I wondered how long this was going to keep going on.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

88~ Primary Caregiver

By Kay Heitsch

I didn't realize how long the process was when a trial was going to take place. Days and weeks went by preparing.

Finally, the little girl was returned to the United States by her grandma. I was happy to know she was going to be staying for a while.

I thought my time with "L" was a one-time deal. However, the family asked if I would be their mother's primary caregiver, as it was clear she had a connection with me.

I couldn't stay with her 24/7 as she needed, so other people helped out too. I usually stayed 12 hours during the day.

It wasn't long, and "L" was moved to a rehab in a nursing home. I was asked if I would go with her.

This proved to be interesting. To try to keep "L" somewhat calm, I would walk her around in her wheelchair. She enjoyed this. Plus, I got steps on my pedometer.

Because "L" was here for rehab, I took her to physical therapy every day. Now this was quite the challenge.

Whenever the PT asked her to do 20 leg movements, her response was NO!

I'd ask, "How many do you want to do?" It was funny because she always said, "Six."

Now we would begin with six. Right after the first six, I'd ask the same question. So instead of 20. She ended up doing 24.

One day, I wheeled "L" into PT. She looked at the Physical Therapist, who was from India. We both laughed when "L" looked at me and said, "Take me back to the United States!"

I usually stayed with "L" for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.

"L" could be quite the challenge, but even though I had never done anything like this, I truly believed it was God's plan for this time.

I was gone from home most of the day. But as soon as I returned home, the phone was ringing.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

87 ~ My First Assignment

By Kay Heitsch

Little did I know what I was in for when I went to my first assignment, or where it would lead.

All I knew was that I was supposed to sit with an elderly lady at the hospital who had just had a hip replacement. I was to stay with her all night.

I assumed the hospital wanted to make sure their patient didn't try to get up or something like that. It didn't seem like a big deal.

When I arrived, this older lady was sleeping. She remained sleeping until a nurse came in.

The minute the nurse woke her up, it was obvious this lady was not going to be cooperative.

The nurse looked at me. Good grief, I didn't know what to do. In fact, I had never met this person.

However, I decided to try to help since this was my new job. I said a quick prayer, "Help me!".

I walked over to the bed. I don't know exactly what I said or did, but immediately the patient calmed down and decided to cooperate.

After the nurse left, I pulled a chair up next to the bed. I took this lady's hand and talked quietly to her. She would smile, but said very few words.

The next day, her family arrived. I introduced myself. Each family member was very nice. This lady kept smiling.

Since her family was there, I left. I thought this was the end of my time helping her. Boy, was I in for a surprise!

God had a plan, and it was way out of my comfort zone!

As soon as I walked into the house, the phone was ringing. But at least, I had a break. I'd been up all night, now I needed to sleep.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

Shared Witness

By Kay Heitsch

I knew there was going to be a trial. I was told I would be a Shared Witness. Both Dad and Mom wanted me as their witness. This is a unique position to be in, believe me.

The phone calls ramped up to a new level. I told both that whatever I shared with one, the other person would get a copy.

Whenever someone came to the house, I would play quiet Christian music in the background. This kept me calm, and it helped create a positive atmosphere in the room.

However, now I needed a new job. I prayed and asked the Lord to help me find the job He wanted me to do.

I'll warn you, this prayer may lead you to a job way out of your comfort zone!

I saw an ad for Comfort Keepers Non-Medical In-Home Care. I had never heard of this company or anything like it. I wasn't sure what it was. I assumed it must be helping older people stay in their homes by doing small jobs for them.

I had never done anything like this before. But I liked older people, and helping someone stay in their own home seemed like a wonderful thing to do. Was this the job God had for me to do?

I felt an urge to call the number and was invited over for an interview. I really liked and felt comfortable with the lady who owned the company. I was hired. This new job was going to prove to be quite an experience.

At first, this new job was an escape from the phone calls, etc., while I was working, but as soon as I was home, the phone was ringing.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

85 ~ Caught In The Middle

By Kay Heitsch

At first, I didn't know all that was going on. I did know this child had been taken to another country without her father's consent. I also knew I seemed to be caught in the middle.

I was getting phone calls from both Mom and Dad several times a day. This situation was over my head.

Mom had accused Dad of Feticide. This would be the first case charged in our county. If convicted, this would be a lengthy prison sentence.

I wasn't sure how to cope mentally and emotionally.

So I decided to go on a fast and pray. I didn't eat any food for 7 days. I did drink. I kept praying the Lord's will would be done.

The church I was attending at the time had made a small prayer room from an unused closet. I would go over to the prayer room where I could be alone, without the phone or doorbell ringing.

Mom had returned to the United States but did not bring the child back with her. A lot was involved in having the child returned.

Now I needed to find a new job.

The phone and doorbell kept ringing.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

84 ~ What On Earth Is Going On?

By Kay Heitsch

We were thrilled when Mom and Dad visited a few weeks earlier and shared the news that they were expecting a new baby.

Our 3-year lease was up. So we decided to lease an SUV with extra room for now, two car seats.

I didn't notice anything unusual when Mom came to pick up their little girl for lunch on February 6th. The only thing different was that she didn't come to the front door. She looked normal.

A few days passed, and the phone rang. It was from Dad. He wanted to talk to Bill. He told Bill that he had been arrested and was in jail.

I couldn't believe it! I felt sick to my stomach. What had I gotten into, leaving the school job to be their nanny? I sure wasn't expecting anything like this.

Now, Dad said he needed money for bail and a lawyer. He asked Bill to get into his house, find his stocks, etc., and sell them. Dad knew Bill worked in finance and would know what to do.

Now Bill was to give the money to his lawyer. He said the lawyer wouldn't talk to him unless he had $ 100,000 cash upfront. Good grief, this must be serious!

The next thing I knew, detectives were at our door questioning me. My head was in a whirlwind.

What on earth was going on? Life had been going great. Now, suddenly, a traumatic turn of events.

I needed God to help me more than ever.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

83 ~ She's Not Here

By Kay Heitsch

It was another February 6th. This isn't an ordinary day for me. It was on February 6th that my Dad, Todd, plus 2 uncles died.

I was somewhat surprised when the baby's mom called. She was calling to say she wanted to take the baby, now a toddler, out to lunch with a friend and her child.

Since we had shared parts of our lives with each other, I thought she was giving me a break because it was February 6th.

Instead of coming to the front door as usual, she used another door. She looked fine. I had the little girl ready, and away they went. I spent a quiet day alone.

As the day went on, I was expecting Mom to return, but she never did.

I wasn't concerned until Dad came over to pick up their little girl. I told him she's not here.

I explained to him that his wife had stopped by, and she said she was taking her to lunch with a friend.

I could tell by the look on Dad's face that he knew nothing about this.

It was shortly thereafter that we found out both passports were missing. Mom had gone to India and taken the little girl.

I wish I could say everything was fine, but it was anything but fine.

Another tragedy on February 6th. How would God bring a triumph out of what was coming?

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2