Possessed

We went back to Mt. Dora this evening because Richard had left his phone there on Tuesday. We got to town earlier this time and browsed some wonderful shops before returning to One Flight Up, the quaint little sandwich shop we so relished before. They had the phone. The warmer weather beckoned, so we opted to enjoy our meal on the balcony overlooking an old town street complete with horse drawn carriages, strolling tourists and holiday lights abounding. Once again, it was a delightful experience and we got to know Judy our waitress a bit more as she told us some of the building's history and suggested the "original recipe" carrot cake - it was wonderful!

Our little trip was a great way to top off a somewhat trying day for me. My California disability checks stopped coming a while back and I have spent several frustrating days attempting to clear up whatever confusion may be at the root. I have been on hold, disconnected, hung up on and generally stymied, so my attitude was less than cheery as I dialed their number for at least the fifteenth time.

It took 17 minutes to reach a live and very bubbly person and I was told my social security number was not in their system, but then she had me repeat it and I was found. Yay! They had not received my progress report and change of address for which were mailed over two weeks ago. The voice on the other end of the phone was happy and showed no hint of the impending quagmire I expected. Indeed, she remain cheerful, helpful and almost convinced we could clear this all up in no time. I said a prayer for her and wondered how long she had worked there.

Miss Bubbles asked several question I should know the answer to: where did I live, my date of birth, did I work, was I able to work, if not, why not. Before I could answer or forget the previous question, a new one was on it's way. I "flooded," went totally "fish brain." Synapses misfiring all over the place, I couldn't seem to attach the right answer to the proper original question. Most folks just press on until I am basically catatonic. This lady wanted the name(s) of my medical care givers. I couldn't sort that info out on demand and got confused.

When did I see my doctor last? She wants dates. When is my next appointment?
I don't know... which one? Same answer both questions.
Which ones (doctors) to I have? I know them, but right now the information is running amok in my brain and I can't seem to sort it out. 

Can you give me a hint? (That didn't go over too well)

Finally, she gave up. Later I remembered some of the answers and gave them as soon as I recalled them which muddies the waters thoroughly. She was getting as mixed up as I was.

What keeps me from being able to work? What is my physical problem, or do I have a mental problem? Or both?
Let's see... I have a TBI with side effects that don't work well around people, like falling asleep with ho notice, forgetting where I am and what I'm doing, and just wandering off... not to mention I go "fish brain" when stressed. My energy level plunges in a heartbeat and I have excruciating headaches without announcement.

She has reports from the nation's leading TBI neurologist, but she's asking me! Then she sees I have neuropsychologist I see twice a month or more and she wonders if I am mentally or emotionally ill.
Not yet, but I'm getting there!

Finally, she tells me something and leaves. I heard her clearly, indeed she has been very careful to speak clearly and at a good volume without yelling into the receiver. But I forgot what she said and dutifully held the line for another 17 minutes. When she returned, I was mumbling incoherently to myself, as least that is probably what she thought.

Sometime after we discussed my bathroom and eating habits, my perennially positive case worker put me on hold again. The phone is hot in my have and if I had not plugged it into the charger before starting, it would have long since been dead.

Finally, the finale' and the good news that I have been processes. Or maybe possessed, who cares? My checks will resume. I wished her a Blessed Christmas and thanked her for her perseverance, then went to take a nap, praising God all the way.