105 ~ Do I Smell Gum?

By Kay Heitsch

Working in a memory care center with "L" had many challenges. It was difficult watching the residents that I came to love slowly decline.

As I wrote earlier, I gave "L" gum to chew, and I also chewed gum. Evelyn* enjoyed following us around. Every day she would say, "Do I smell gum?" I'd respond that she did and would then offer her a stick.

As with most of the residents, Evelyn's condition began to decline. Hospice was called. I could hear Evelyn in her room, seeming to be having a difficult time. I parked "L" outside Evelyn's room and walked inside.

As I leaned over Evelyn's bed and touched her, she became very calm. I asked the hospice nurse why. She answered that Evelyn can smell your gum and perfume. She knows it's you.

That night, as I was about to leave for home, I sat "L" on the couch in the family room. Then, I give "L" a hug and all the other residents in the room a hug too.

This day had been an emotional day. As I bent down to give Ruth* a hug, she asked, "Do you mind if I say a prayer?" I, of course, asked her to pray. Her prayer was short and to the point, but just what I needed to hear. "Thank you, Lord, for leading and guiding her here."

Wow, I pray every day that I will be "led" and "guided."

On this challenging day, the Lord was letting me know that this is where He wanted me to be.

* Names Changed

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