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