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