By Jean Brody

Nobody likes a braggart. I try not to be one, but I have a story that I have to tell you that may help all of us.

Now, I get attached to people. I have become very attached to the physical therapist, the occupational therapist and the nurse who have helped me heal and get my endurance back.

They have pushed me while understanding when I have a bad day. Each of them have come to my apartment two to three times a week for many weeks to take me through all the steps to get back to where I was before I got sick.

We have each spent many hours together, so naturally we got attached. I looked at them as friends who came to see me every week, and I looked forward to it.

So, when each of them came last Monday and made their announcement, I was hurt and felt a little lost. What each of them told me was, “I’m gonna leave you after next week.”

“Why?” I whined.

 My PT said, “Well, you’re too improved and too good.”

“What in the world does that mean?” I cried.

Each of them said, “You’re insurance, Medicare, is saying we can’t pay for medical help if the patient is well and strong and walking 10 to 11 laps around the facility.”

By now, I was mumbling, “But that isn’t fair. I’m punished for doing good! Anyway, my balance is not safe yet, you know it isn’t!”

After a moment of thought, one of the three said, “OK, look, here’s what you do. Let a few weeks go by and then have your doctor write a new prescription for exercises for improving balance.”

“Humm . . .” I mulled. “I can do that.”

So, if anyone reading this feels your insurance is cutting you off too soon, just get your doctor to help you out. That is exactly what I’m going to do my friends.

The view from the mountain is wondrous.