Where’s the compassion?

Published 6:50 pm Friday, September 3, 2010

On Aug. 17 I was in Everett most of the day — at the Cancer Partnership for my chemo treatment. I had a severe reaction, serious enough to cause a bit of concern. I was kept there an extra two hours until they decided I could go home and not have to go to the ER.

My caregiver was there to provide a ride home for me. On our way, she was stopped by an Everett policeman. Her license was suspended and there was a warrant for her. She explained she had to get me home. He said he could arrest her right there but would let her go this time. However, she was not to drive and I was to find my own way home.

Even with my walker, I couldn’t have walked any distance to find a phone. It was 4:30 and traffic was heavy. Had I been able to phone my daughter, it would have been a long wait as she would come from Issaquah. I was ill, dizzy, weak and not able to do much. My care giver couldn’t find a ride — so we sat. Finally she risked arrest and got me home.

I don’t understand why the officer couldn’t be more helpful. He did let her stay there and not arrest her — but that still left me stranded. Couldn’t he have taken me to the transfer station — at least — to catch a bus home to Monroe? Or couldn’t he have called ParaTransit? Surely there is a way to help in such a situation — or isn’t there? It wasn’t quite a medical emergency, but close — could have been worse as being stranded is more stress than I need. Perhaps the focus is all on the “protect” part — and as for the “serve” part — ignored.

Janet Brown

Monroe