My First Social Security Experience in Covington, VA

Yesterday, my husband and I visited the Social Security office in Covington, VA. My very first Social Security payment was short by over $1,200.00.

While the situation itself was upsetting, the actual process at the office was very pleasant. This was my first time interacting with local government officials, and I have to say that the lady at the front desk was incredibly helpful and kind. She listened carefully, checked my status, and told me, "It looks like they are already trying to resolve the problem." She then suggested, "You can call the Medicare number on the back of your card, and they will explain it to you."

The worker’s positive attitude made me feel so good that I actually forgot why I was there! I had intended to ask her for help filing an appeal for my overcharged Medicare premium, but I ended up leaving without doing it. I happily went home without a solution to my problem.

Afterward, we went to Wal-Mart. Once again, the cashiers were so pleasant. They seemed truly happy to be working there, and their positive energy made me happy too.

Today, reality set in, and I realized my problem is still not solved. I logged online with Medicare but could not find any answers. Now, we are stuck waiting to see what happens. I am hoping they will refund the overcharge and restore my full payment soon.

It is incredibly inconvenient for seniors who rely solely on Social Security income to deal with Medicare overcharges. I am freshly retired and dealing with my very first payment. I can't help but wonder: how do older seniors handle this? I live on my Social Security income now, and they took more than half of my payment. How am I supposed to survive on what is left? Life is certainly not easy for older people.

The only comfort I have right now is that the people in our community are so pleasant. They are generally happy, appreciative of what they have, and kind to everyone they deal with. Facing retirement that is the most positive thing I could ask for.

Thank you to my local community. I appreciate you all!

Life is worth living, and it is worth recording

 

I just finished reading a friend’s Storyworth book, and I am deeply impressed by her experiences, determination, and love for her profession. I am so glad we had a wonderful conversation before I left Eugene; I learned a great deal about her.

She is a medical doctor, a talented writer, and a gifted storyteller. I truly admire her. I even envy the close relationship she shared with her mother, as well as her peaceful yet exciting childhood, raised by loving parents and living in various countries.

We worked together when she was a neonatologist and I was a nurse. At that time, our interactions were strictly professional. I only knew her as a good doctor; I had no idea she was also an accomplished pianist. I knew she was American and spoke English, but I didn't know she spoke French and German, too. She might even speak Japanese and Korean, having lived in those countries. I haven't reached that level yet!

Academically, she is a remarkably high achiever. Through her writing, I discovered how deeply logical she is—she rarely lets her emotions take over. She planned her life beautifully and lived it to the fullest. When she faced short-term memory issues at age 19, she overcame them by working and serving others. That was her coping strategy. While volunteering at a clinic during that difficult time, she realized that helping people made her feel better, which inspired her to go to medical school. Despite her memory challenges, she graduated with great honors. I deeply admire how she declined financial support from her parents, choosing instead to work and pay her own way through college.

After medical school, she signed a contract to join the army, embarking on missions across different countries and gaining invaluable experience. I especially loved the section where she transported critically ill patients from Korea to the Philippines. What an exciting adventure!

She deeply valued her friendships from elementary school all the way through college. She also possessed a strong determination to support the women and families she served for 25 years. Although I knew she was an excellent neonatologist, I never realized how unhappy she was with her workplace. Ultimately, the stress and frustration forced her to resign. Despite those challenges, she excelled at her job and provided wonderful care to her patients.

When we worked together, I often felt a sense of distance between her and the nursing staff. As a foreigner, I couldn't quite understand why. She was the only female doctor in the unit, and the majority of the nurses were women, so I assumed they would become close friends. Now, after reading her book, I finally understand: she was simply unhappy at the time. She stayed in that job strictly out of dedication to her patients, their families, and to support her own family.

She focused mostly on her career and early life in this book, but I am certain there is so much more she left unwritten. She is a successful American lady, an exceptional doctor, a devoted daughter, and a wonderful mother and wife. How can one person excel so beautifully in every single aspect of life?

Thank you for letting me read your life story and for being my friend. You are truly a hero in my mind. Everyone’s life is an unwritten book, and every book is entirely unique. I am so glad she chose to write hers down so these rich experiences would never be lost. I believe everyone should write their own stories—not just for their children and grandchildren, but for human history. Thousands of years from now, if someone happens to read them, it will feel just like reading a fantasy novel.