PT@VA

It’s been a long time since my days in the military. Though I had a few complaints during my tenure as an aircraft weapons technician, my memories of the military are fond memories. I had a lot of fun. I made a lot of friends. And I sometimes shook my head over the inflexibility of procedures.

Sure, most of the procedures were developed over time, with trial and error being a part of the development process. They made sense. But I was reminded of intransigence of procedure when I received a call this morning. It was one of the physical therapists at the VA, calling to schedule an appointment for a wheelchair fitting.

I explained that I already have a wheelchair.

“That’s ok, Mr. Camfield. We need to start the process from scratch in order to equip you with a chair and hitch-mounted carrier.”

Oy! Don’t get me wrong…

I welcome the help. I really do, but why spend so much money on a new chair when I already have one?! Rhetorical, of course.

It’s not certain I’ll get a new chair. I like the one I have, and it has only about 11 miles on it. If I do get a new one, maybe I’ll donate it. I’m sure there are several organizations that could use a free motorized chair.

So I get to drive to the East side of town on Monday, bright and early at 0900.

It will be nice too get out for a bit and interact with other humans. I don’t get enough of that.

Ha! Forgot to post this the other day. Speaking of being human…

Mistakes will be made.