I was on the clock before 1. We got to the Dr ofc by 2-ish. I called for transport to come pick us up at 3:20.
They got there at 6PM!!!!
Now all that time, we waited.
When we first got to the MAIN lobby waiting area, there were a couple of people seated there waiting.
Once I got me and my patient settled, I noticed that one of these people was an old, emaciated looked Black man, with a 'blind cane'.
He was standing up, looking in our direction (he could hear our voices) calling out "please sir, can you help me?" So I went over.
He needed to go to the restroom!
A blind man left all alone in a VAST open space.
So I made sure my guy was cool, then I looked around, saw a 'family restroom' and put his hand on my elbow and lead him to the bathroom, lead him to the toilet, put up the seat, then turned my back.
He must have been really hurting, because he barely had time to get his pants open before starting to pee.
When finished, I lead him to the sink, got the soap, squirted some into his hands, got the water going, then got his paper towels and lead him back to his seat.
At 4:20, he asked me what time it was; MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) Mobility (the handicapped transport part) was supposed to pick him up at 4:30.
There were a couple of those vans coming and going, so I checked whenever I saw one. They have specific people they are to pick up, but I was informed that they have a 30 min 'window' so it might be 5 before his ride got there.
I told him this.
At 5:10, he asked me to dial a number for him. I did, but asked
"who am I calling? Your wife?" He said no, it was the lady who made the MARTA reservation for him.
I had the hardest time getting her to understand who I was and why I was calling, but when I did she thanked me, saying she would call MARTA. I then went to the Customer Service Desk, and asked them to get hold of MARTA about this fellow.
Me and my patient went outside to enjoy some fresh air and sun.
The lady I had called for the blind guy called me back to say that MARTA had said there were heavy traffic problems and it would be ANOTHER 45 min before they got there for the poor guy. I went and told him that, and he had to go pee again, so I took him again. Just as we got back to his seat, our ride came up and it was time for me and MY patient to leave.
He thanked me profusely, but was very sad to be sitting there all alone, waiting that long.
To be honest, if I hadn't been there waiting, I probably wouldn't have heard him call out, so I wouldn't have begun this interaction.
We each of us need to become more sensitive to those around us, and not so centered on our own....needs/activities?
I was truly happy to help the old guy, and in retrospect,
I could have moved me and my client over and sat with him, rather than leaving him all alone all that time.
I wish I had thought of that at the time. I feel sure my guy wouldn't have minded.
"a true story"
by
Jerry E Smith
©05/10/2020
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