114 ~ L's Death

By Kay Heitsch

Little did I know that I would be with "L" for six years. A lot had happened during that time. The residents, staff, and management all came and went. There were only two people left who were there when I started on my last day.

The company I worked for didn't give paid vacation or sick days. I had one sick day, and I took a weekend off when Shannon got married. I needed the money, so I worked. But after six years, Bill and I decided to take a short vacation.

When I came back, "L" didn't seem the same. She had been going downhill, which is expected, but now she was not eating. The staff told me she had missed me. I figured she would snap out of it, but she didn't.

I called "L" daughter and let her know. I put the phone to "L"'s ear and she talked to her. I also spoke to "L"'s son to let them know "L" wasn't doing well.

I hadn't left for work when I received the call that "L" had just passed.

I was busy getting ready for our daughter and husband to come for Christmas that day. I knew they would be at our home in the afternoon. I sure wasn't expecting this call.

I dropped everything I was doing and went straight to the memory care center.

I walked into "L"'s room like usual. There she was lying on her bed with her eyes open. I walked over and shut her eyes.

"L"'s son said he wanted to come up and see his mom before she was taken to the funeral home.

So, before "L"'s son got there, I put her best nightgown on, folded her hands, as if she were sleeping. I combed her hair and put some blush on her pale cheeks. Then I put on some quiet music and sprayed the lavender spray around.

Word had spread, and the woman who showed me how to cut "L"s hair came down. I found out that day she also did hair for the funeral homes in the area. The next thing I knew, she asked if I would come over to the funeral home and do "L"s hair. I said that I would.

"L"'s son came up, and he had a quiet moment with his mom. I was happy I had fixed her up so she looked peaceful, and he would have a good memory.

Since "L" passed close to Christmas, the family had her funeral the day after Christmas.

Believe it or not, I went to the morgue and did "L"'s hair. It was an experience I had never had before. My one last act of love.

These years were unforgettable, but God saw me through.

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