That thought popped into my head as I thought about this year. For me, I had LOTS of new experiences, and so I think it's been at least two years since 2018 ended. So, to feed my ongoing narcsisitic tendencies I'll give you the Cliff's Notes version:
- I became officially Disabled. In and of itself this is no relevation--it's been three years since I passed out in front of Samsonite's corporate HQ and began my life on the Disabled List. But in May I sat in front of a Federal Judge and my attorney laid out why I should be "disabled" per the Social Security's standards. It was about 30 minutes, and it recapped the long, strange trip I had been on. At the end of my hearing the Judge said "I am ruling you completely disabled. Good Luck."
- As a result of that half hour, I became a Ward of the State, receiving payments (which MetLife deducted from the Long Term Disability they were paying me) and attaining eligibility for Medicare. I guess the more Libertarian amongst us would call me a "Taker". I'd be happy to trade that for just about any iteration of my life prior to 2011 (the Original Sin of a-fib) for the monthly Direct Deposits.
- Marjorie (the Patron Saint of Lost Causes) said to the first of two psychologists I'm seeing "He's in mourning for his career". Truer words were never spoken. But the fall has seen me go through the 45 stages of grief and I've put all that on the side of the road. I had no idea how to move forward, no tools to stanch the bleeding of my emotional state. So one shrink handles the meds, the other handles the therapy. Both say my progress has been amazing. At least I'm not thinking about how things might be better if I was left by the side of the road with my grief.
- I became a College Student again. South Carolina lets seniors take classes at any state supported university and not pay tuition. No degree and no grade, but who cares? My first class was Intro to Buddhism. I learned that all Karma is bad (a sad moment for Marjorie). I meditate 15 minutes a day and it's helping the quality of my sleep.
- We're beginning the Great Home Renovation. A new kitchen, an enclosed side porch, and an enclosed back porch. Marjorie already has her SheShed.
That's the Executive Summary. I'm "better", meaning that I'm not suicidal. It also means that I'm seeing more sunshine than clouds these days. We're approaching our 40th wedding anniversity, a time lapse that has boggled my mind. Marjorie is working at Starbucks essentially for benefits, 20 hours a week gets health care and while the cost is about her entire pay it's saving us a fortune.
I'm always (well, almost always) happy to engage, so here's the way to do it:
(843) 902-6591
pete.mitchell.ltd@gmail.com
pmitchel@coastal.edu
May 2020 bring you peace, good health, and contentment. Remember to wallow in your employment, as it can be taken away from you at any minute with zero warning. I am a walking personification of that axiom. Be safe...
Pete
