98 ~ Neck Pillow

By Kay Heitsch

It took a while for "L" to adjust to the memory care center.

"L" would rather be alone, and being around people seemed to make her nervous.

When it was time to go to the dining room, I took her to one where she could eat alone. Slowly, she started to eat with everyone else.

There was a family room where the residents could sit. I'd take "L" there for short periods. She would rock back and forth at first, but slowly she would sit without rocking.

"L" had a serious neck issue. Her head rested on her shoulder. Her family had done everything to try and get her to hold her head up right with therapy, etc.

"L" had a neck brace, but she refused to wear it. She would tell me, "This is not a thing of beauty or a joy forever."

I started to pray about "L" 's poor, painful neck. With God's help, I had the thought to put warm packs on her neck when she "stretched out." "Stretched out" is what she referred to as lying down.

Then I would roll up towels and prop her neck up. I told her son what I was doing, and he brought up a neck pillow.

I shared what I was doing with the staff. So when "L" went to bed, they made sure she had the neck pillow.

Praise God, eventually, "L" was holding her head up by herself.

I'm so thankful God helped me turn "L" 's painful neck issue into a triumph.