It Was Time...So, I went

I made it.
Who ever thinks they're going to make it.

Who ever says when they're 18, Oh I can't wait...hurry up.

Many do not make it. For many reasons. They just don't show up.

My appointment was for Monday at 10:07am. I had an address but couldn't remember exactly where it was. 4849 N. Milwaukee.

As I drove to the address I saw a small triangular strip mall. A dunkin donuts, subway, Taco Bell and the rest of the glitzy quick food joints.

In the background was the tall office building, 4849 above the entrance.

I easily parked and walked into the building. No indication that this was it. In the lobby was a sign saying go to the 6th floor.

Sure enough the elevator stopped and there in front of me was...... THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION LOCAL BRANCH OFFICE.

Oh No, am I that old?

Walked inside, got a number and waited my turn.

I sat down away from about 20 other folks. All of them sitting nervously, fiddling with their papers or hair and shifting in their chairs.

The 300 Lb guard sitting arm raised in the air holding his cell phone playing some electronic game.

English was not the official language in this waiting room, Polish, Greek, Russian, Spanish all sounded the same.

Older men and women escorted by someone younger, whom I suspected were sons and daughters.

After checking them out, I didn't feel so bad. So, many of them were overweight. Overweight, no I think super BIG would be the way to explain them. Parent and sibling. Like a matched set.

The others were all so skinny, like the local wino's/bums on the street curbs. Baggy pants legs covering skin and bone.

And finally me, your good old born in America male. At least I spoke English.

"MR. ELLIOTT to number 7" came out from the office speaker. This was it.

Mr. Wolski was waiting for me. We talked and talked. About the Police and Florida.

Then he told me. Mr. Elliott, you will be receiving your benefits directly to your bank account within a few weeks.

By benefits he surely must mean cash, greenbacks, money. Oh, can you tell me what I'll be getting.

$59.00.

I'm sorry I thought you said $59. Do you mean $590.00.

No he reassured me. You heard it correctly. Enjoy your retirement.

Would you please leave now. And here's some Kleenex but please leave. You're getting my desk wet.

From the office speaker "Ms. Jackson number 7".... my time was up.

I shuffled out of the office, the building and into the great fast food complex.

I realized then, that my $59 benefits would allow me to have a great meal in any of these fancy sign establishments.

So, I went to McDonalds and had a Grilled Chicken Wrap $1.39 with honey mustard. And ordered a SENIOR coffee for .54 cents.

I am so glad I made it to my appointment. I felt so sorry for all my family/friends that didn't.

Life is Great
c'ya
jim