Most of my career, I have been a nurse practitioner working at the Veterans Administration hospital performing disability exams. I love my job. It is my joy and my passion to be the best medical provider to the men and women who have served our country. But for me, it is even more. My veterans are my blessing.
As we remember the terrible events of Sept. 11, 2001, I’d like to share my story. My husband had an all-expense-paid business trip to New York City. My mother-in-law took care of our 2-year-old daughter, so I could go along. It was perfect. We were wined and dined by the company. Life couldn’t be better. The night before we were scheduled to leave New York, my husband said, “Why don’t you call your boss and ask for another day off? My mom loves taking care of the baby and your boss at the VA will let you off. How about it?”
Wow, another day in New York City. But then I remembered the story of one of my veterans. I remember him telling me about his last Compensation and Pension Exam being canceled. The veteran was disabled and lived solely on the money he received from the VA. He received a notice that if he didn’t get his exam updated, his pension would be reduced. Well, he waited for his exam to be scheduled and then at the last minute the VA canceled his appointment. His appointment was rescheduled for two months later. The veteran shared with me that because his appointment was rescheduled, his disability check was reduced and, as a result, he lost his home.
I thought “Could canceling my clinic for just one day impact a veteran? It’s just one extra day in New York City!” Reluctantly, I told my husband, “No, we have to go home.”
So, the next morning, I was driving to work at the VA and feeling sorry for myself.
I thought, “I could be in New York City.” Then I had to quickly pull over on the highway. “What? A plane flew into the World Trade Center?” My eyes filled with tears. Our hotel in New York City was the Marriott World Trade Center. It also went down with the Twin Towers.
“Think about it, Kathleen,” I said to myself. “If you worked in the private sector, you would have asked off for an extra day. And your baby might not have her parents.”
My veterans saved my life!
Kathleen Kelley is a member of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.