106 ~ How Can You Be?

By Kay Heitsch

I remember well the day when Bessy* was wheeled into the dining room and came to the table "L", and I were sitting. Bessy was going to be our new tablemate.

Bessy was given a glass of milk. Immediately, she let everyone know she never drank milk. Bessy looked at me and said, "Do you know where this comes from? I lived on a farm!" I knew right then and there, Bessy was going to be fun.

One day, Bessy's son came to visit. He told her that it was his birthday and he was 70 years old. Bessy looked at him with the "mother look", and then she looked at me. In an exasperated voice, she said, "Don't lie to this woman about your age! How can you be 70 when I'm only 35?"

What's interesting is that, being in a memory care center, many of the people there do not know their age. In fact, they don't even recognize themselves in the mirror. They can be any age they want!

When I would hug people before I left at night, Bessy always told everyone that I was her 'best friend" and her "angel."

It wasn't always easy working in this memory care center, but people like Bessy made the days better and brought a smile to my face. Bessy will always hold a special place in my heart.

Bessy* Not real name.

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