You would think I’d update this more what with all my recently gained free time. I’ve no excuse other than I’ve been sitting around bleeding and trying to get unemployment.
So what is my situation now? Seeing as how I’ve got no one asking, I’ll tell you.
I had surgery March 28th then again on April 4th then again on April 29th. That makes for a total of 28 surgeries. It also marks the end of surgeries I’ll be having because I no longer have benefits. See, the company I worked for, for over 14 years, let me go because I violated their attendance policy. This was my fault only because I was sick with the same condition every time I did miss work. On more than one occasion I went to work having had surgery two days prior, against doctor’s wishes, to save my job. It didn’t work. What’s the lesson America? Don’t get sick or you could lose your job and the much needed health benefits that are keeping you alive. This is by far the most stressed I have ever been in my life.
I can’t get unemployment because the company is claiming it was misconduct as I “blatantly disregarded company policy”. Apparently that’s a policy that doesn’t take into effect one’s getting ill with a disease that kills more people than AIDS in this country since 2004. A disease had it reached my blood, lungs or heart would have killed me within ninety days. The worst part about this is it is making those I care about worry, and that bothers me. I know I’ve got family and friends who love me dearly, but I don’t like to be the one causing them any grief.
The day of my 28th surgery my mom and I went to the grocery store after we left the surgery center. I had to get some groceries and it’s usually best to do so before the drugs wear off and you can’t walk. We were walking down an aisle and my mom stopped and started crying. I asked her what was wrong and she said, “Your situation makes me so sad. I wish there was something I could do. It’s not fair what’s been done to you just because you’re sick.” That’s not right. I love my mom dearly and for her to be that effected by a situation I have no control over is heart wrenching.
I took a step back and really looked at the situation objectively. I worked for a company for over 14 years. I got sick, had 28 surgeries and tried my hardest to be at work even while sick. I took risks with my health just to save my job and it still wasn’t enough. I know things like this happen all the time but I never thought it would happen to me. I’m being punished for being sick. Plain and simple. I don’t understand what kind of people would have no problem terminating someone who so desperately needs health care with no thought into what taking those benefits and income away from someone may have. I have cried more over the past few weeks than I ever thought possible. I’m not pitying myself, I’m just not sure how it got to this point.
Thankfully the world is full of kind people. A woman named Misty, whom I’ve never even met took it upon herself to collect some money for me. It is humbling when someone you’ve never met takes it upon themselves to help out someone they don’t even know. I’m so gracious for that act of kindness from her and the people who helped her.
I don’t like being in the position where I’ve got nothing. I don’t like being in a position where I so desperately need financial help. However, if you think you want to help, I’m not going to stop you. Feel free to contact me at joeldavidd@gmail.com if you want to help a guy who could really use it.
Because I’ve got nothing to give right now, I’m going to post a charity each time I write a post that could use help too. Today it’s Operation Helmet. This charity provides much needed helmet upgrades for our soldiers overseas. Taking a cue from a post on their site, I suggest that anyone who gets a tax rebate check donate that money. Instead of jump starting the economy so corporations can get richer, why not make someone’s life better, or even possibly save their life? Donate to a worthwhile cause that provides much needed protection to our men and women in the military.
That’s all I’ve got. Someday I’ll be back with the semi-witty banter the three of you who read this have come to love and expect from me.
Peace.
- Joel