Over the last 2 weeks, my patience has been tested. I accept that people have a right to choose for themselves, even though the choice can lead to dire consequences. I do not accept that people have the right to choose an action or behavior that threatens the lives of everyone around them, especially over ill-conceived, ill-informed, or just general stupidity.
The situation, new client schedules. Great, I’m thrilled to have new clients, especially as I retain my other clients. A new client enters the wellness/rehab facility with a clearly posted sign on the entry door stating you MUST wear a mask at all times within the facility. The new client is NOT wearing a mask despite the sign on the door. The scheduler, while handing the new client her intake forms, hands her a mask, informing her that it is a requirement that she be masked at all times. The new client gets, well argumentative with the scheduler, making the scheduler and patients waiting in the lobby, uncomfortable. The scheduler informs the new client she will comply with posted orders or she will leave….. period. The new client gets huffy but takes the mask, sits, and fills out her forms.
I was unaware of all this drama occurring in the front of the building as I was in back, readying my room for the new client. When I went to the lobby to receive my new client and her completed forms, I noticed the strained looks on the scheduler’s face. I did not ask at the time what was wrong as I needed to move forward with the new client. Taking my client to my room, I noticed she kept tugging on the disposable mask. Honestly, I sighed as I had a sinking feeling this was going to be difficult, and I was correct.
Once we entered my room, the client removed her mask, without permission and started to complain heatedly about her rights being infringed upon, about all the socialism of the Government, the Democratic Government, the stupid Liberals, etc. You know the litany of ridiculousness, I’m certain. Once the client stopped her rant, I asked if she was vaccinated and she nearly screamed at me, NO. Then was the next round of her rant. I did have to stop her, as I did have a schedule and I was not willing to listen to the vomitous stupidity that poured from her mouth.
I realized, she wasn’t new at all. I had seen this client a number of times, including other members of her family but it had been many years. I asked about her husband, who was very ill the last time I had seen him. She informed me he had had 4 different types of CANCER, developed COPD, and at least 6 other health issues since I’d last seen him. He was undergoing cancer treatments presently, yet he was not vaccinated, she was not, and neither was ANY of her family. They all went out into the community unmasked, went to church, theatre, movies, etc. all unmasked. Her son, has COPD and at least 9 other health issues, causing him to be unable to work. The 3 grandchildren all have health issues, all in respiratory, and one of the children is Autistic and has Down Syndrome.
I stared at this woman, being faced with the MAGA/Republican ignorance that is waved around so proudly. I see it everywhere, I am in Indiana, yet I had never had such hatred walk into my workspace. She started to attack me at one point, which I stopped immediately. I informed her that I understood wearing a mask while in the face cradle was not something possible, if she wanted to breathe, however, I would keep my mask on. She was actually angry that I would protect myself from her willful ignorance. I layed it out that she was not going to be given the chance to infect, or possibly hinder my health by her choices. I would remain masked and when she left, she would be wearing her mask until she leaves the building.
Once the massage started she settled down, after all, who wouldn’t. She rescheduled, which is fine. Her money spends just like everyone else's, however, we all know who she is now. Unfortunately, I am sure I will end up seeing her husband and other members of her family, if not herself, in the hospital, intubated at some point. Last week alone, I sat with 7 people as they passed, and 5 the previous. The children barely in their teens, might be the most difficult. Their choices were stolen from them by their cruel family. I really hope I don’t see that client's grandchildren in the hospital, they are all under the age of 13.
I cannot understand such willful cruelty. It seems so against everything they scream about, yet here we are, watching them die and trying to take us all with them. Like some perversion of their ascent into heaven, a rapture I guess. I just don’t understand and my patience is wearing thin.
Oh, when she left, you can guarantee that I disinfected the room thoroughly.