The Gov't was closed...one hour too late! :(

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

As many who know me, you will remember that I had to drive to Atlanta (now an hour drive from my home) for Social Security Court. To make that drive, I had to stop some of my meds the day before. So the "one time commute" I used to make daily was very pain filled day. When I arrive home my wife and son had to help me into the house. Today, the wife and I decided to drive to Rome, GA, to take care of some paperwork for my disability. It is about a 45 min drive, but over roads with many bumps, railroad tracks, and potholes...all joyful things for a hurt back. 

Anyway...we arrived at 1:00PM, and the Gov't was closed at 12:00PM on Wednesday's. Now I have to go back tomorrow, so another long day. We tried using the website to do all of this and cannot seem to get it done...HELP! Does anyone here know how to use the website, or is the long drive the only option. 

When I worked as Police Officer and Inspector I would not allow this to happen. While serving a Chief over my department, if someone were sitting in or outside my office they were never turned away because it was 5:00PM, or shift change. Then we had employees who complained that "they were not paid to remain". So every other day, myself or deputy chief would remain if there was a line or to assist for other needs. 

Now that I am on the other side of the desk, I wonder; what went wrong? I have always viewed it as my job for 25 years of service to care for those who needed my help, on the job, off the job, in callings. This was something I tried to instill in my officers and staff. I learned these traits at my father's side, and in the military, where for eight years there was no "time clock". I flew on a medivac helicopter, a place where the days mission was only over when the person in need was taken care of. 

I am just asking here in the Social Hall (where friendly debate can only take place...or no debate) what has happened? Where has accountability, stewardship and common courtesy gone? 

I don't know, just been a long and painful day...you know what I mean when I say; NOT a hugs and puppies kind of day.  

[Jeanne]

36 minutes ago, Pa Pa said:

As many who know me, you will remember that I had to drive to Atlanta (now an hour drive from my home) for Social Security Court. To make that drive, I had to stop some of my meds the day before. So the "one time commute" I used to make daily was very pain filled day. When I arrive home my wife and son had to help me into the house. Today, the wife and I decided to drive to Rome, GA, to take care of some paperwork for my disability. It is about a 45 min drive, but over roads with many bumps, railroad tracks, and potholes...all joyful things for a hurt back. 

Anyway...we arrived at 1:00PM, and the Gov't was closed at 12:00PM on Wednesday's. Now I have to go back tomorrow, so another long day. We tried using the website to do all of this and cannot seem to get it done...HELP! Does anyone here know how to use the website, or is the long drive the only option. 

When I worked as Police Officer and Inspector I would not allow this to happen. While serving a Chief over my department, if someone were sitting in or outside my office they were never turned away because it was 5:00PM, or shift change. Then we had employees who complained that "they were not paid to remain". So every other day, myself or deputy chief would remain if there was a line or to assist for other needs. 

Now that I am on the other side of the desk, I wonder; what went wrong? I have always viewed it as my job for 25 years of service to care for those who needed my help, on the job, off the job, in callings. This was something I tried to instill in my officers and staff. I learned these traits at my father's side, and in the military, where for eight years there was no "time clock". I flew on a medivac helicopter, a place where the days mission was only over when the person in need was taken care of. 

I am just asking here in the Social Hall (where friendly debate can only take place...or no debate) what has happened? Where has accountability, stewardship and common courtesy gone? 

I don't know, just been a long and painful day...you know what I mean when I say; NOT a hugs and puppies kind of day.  

Hugs anyway. My son has back problems..not like yours..but very painful and a difficult thing to correct. You have had a bad time..and the government added it to it.  So ...I hope that all your tomorrows get better.  Hang in there.  BTW  When you have a wife that loves and sustains you...and helps you the way she does..you are a rich man.

 

[Calm]

I'd give you points for being such a good servant of the people and rep for the government if I had them right now.  Will try and remember to add some later.

I am sorry about the unnecessary pain.  I know it well.  Not only is there the usual pain, but if taking medication for awhile that becomes the new norm and the body responds with more pain even.  Really hate that.  Is it possible you can get someone to drive you so you don't have to avoid the drugs for the day?  Someone who is retired perhaps and has flexible time.  They could bring a book or laptop to work on while they wait for you...or go shopping.

Edited August 17, 2016 by Calm

[Guest]

3 hours ago, Calm said:

I'd give you points for being such a good servant of the people and rep for the government if I had them right now.  Will try and remember to add some later.

I am sorry about the unnecessary pain.  I know it well.  Not only is there the usual pain, but if taking medication for awhile that becomes the new norm and the body responds with more pain even.  Really hate that.  Is it possible you can get someone to drive you so you don't have to avoid the drugs for the day?  Someone who is retired perhaps and has flexible time.  They could bring a book or laptop to work on while they wait for you...or go shopping.

Pam drove me today, when I went downtown Atlanta, I drove. My wife gets really confused with all the one way streets and traffic. This is why we (she ) drove to Rome...less confusing roads. At least tomorrow we know right where we are going. 

[Guest]

23 hours ago, Jeanne said:

Hugs anyway. My son has back problems..not like yours..but very painful and a difficult thing to correct. You have had a bad time..and the government added it to it.  So ...I hope that all your tomorrows get better.  Hang in there.  BTW  When you have a wife that loves and sustains you...and helps you the way she does..you are a rich man.

 

Got it done...and yes. I married well, she has taken care of me for 41 years now. Thanks.  

 

[Guest]

23 hours ago, Calm said:

I'd give you points for being such a good servant of the people and rep for the government if I had them right now.  Will try and remember to add some later.

I am sorry about the unnecessary pain.  I know it well.  Not only is there the usual pain, but if taking medication for awhile that becomes the new norm and the body responds with more pain even.  Really hate that.  Is it possible you can get someone to drive you so you don't have to avoid the drugs for the day?  Someone who is retired perhaps and has flexible time.  They could bring a book or laptop to work on while they wait for you...or go shopping.

Well, we got it done today.  

[Calm]

[Guest]

2 hours ago, Calm said:

AMEN!! Could not have said it better. Once we got there we found it was not too difficult. 

[ERayR]

On 8/17/2016 at 4:02 PM, Pa Pa said:

As many who know me, you will remember that I had to drive to Atlanta (now an hour drive from my home) for Social Security Court. To make that drive, I had to stop some of my meds the day before. So the "one time commute" I used to make daily was very pain filled day. When I arrive home my wife and son had to help me into the house. Today, the wife and I decided to drive to Rome, GA, to take care of some paperwork for my disability. It is about a 45 min drive, but over roads with many bumps, railroad tracks, and potholes...all joyful things for a hurt back. 

Anyway...we arrived at 1:00PM, and the Gov't was closed at 12:00PM on Wednesday's. Now I have to go back tomorrow, so another long day. We tried using the website to do all of this and cannot seem to get it done...HELP! Does anyone here know how to use the website, or is the long drive the only option. 

When I worked as Police Officer and Inspector I would not allow this to happen. While serving a Chief over my department, if someone were sitting in or outside my office they were never turned away because it was 5:00PM, or shift change. Then we had employees who complained that "they were not paid to remain". So every other day, myself or deputy chief would remain if there was a line or to assist for other needs. 

Now that I am on the other side of the desk, I wonder; what went wrong? I have always viewed it as my job for 25 years of service to care for those who needed my help, on the job, off the job, in callings. This was something I tried to instill in my officers and staff. I learned these traits at my father's side, and in the military, where for eight years there was no "time clock". I flew on a medivac helicopter, a place where the days mission was only over when the person in need was taken care of. 

I am just asking here in the Social Hall (where friendly debate can only take place...or no debate) what has happened? Where has accountability, stewardship and common courtesy gone? 

I don't know, just been a long and painful day...you know what I mean when I say; NOT a hugs and puppies kind of day.  

So sorry for yo old friend.