HEY… EDIT THIS real quick, ok… I’m so tired!
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Taking it to them in the morning, so all input tonight will be appreciated.
Ticket Date 13 March 2010
I acquired Lyme Disease in 2003. I was not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner and suffered permanent damage to my respiratory, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. I have been working on my Social Security Disability since 2006 and am currently in appeal awaiting a hearing. I have many health issues, to include, COPD, Chronic Lyme Disease, Fibromyalgia, Advanced Degenerative Disc Disease, Bipolar/Manic/Depressive and Chronic Fatigue. I have problems with balance, speech, memory, breathing and mobility. I have provided medical records that support this information. I wear glasses or contacts because I am very near sighted. I haven’t worked since 2008 and have a letter from my last supervisor explaining that I “lacked the amount of professionalism and interpersonal communication skills to get along with the other people that worked here.” (Scott Geiger, ASC Manager, attached)
I bought the Cadillac at the end of January and tagged it the first part of February. I only drove it during the daytime. On Friday, February, 5th, I drove it to Joplin. My mother had knee replacement surgery Monday, February 8th. While in Joplin I drove her van and was only out after dark one night, also in her van. I drove home to DeSoto Friday, March 12th. I arrived home about 3pm, dropped off my dog, went to hang out at friends and family homes to catch up from five weeks away.
Went to drive home. Realized I had never drove my car at night before. It was raining and cold. On the way home, lights were flashed at me and I was attempting to dim lights on car and was flashed in by the officers.
During the field sobriety test, I explained I had problems with balance and was wearing tall shoes, in the rain, at night and wearing contacts. I rarely ever wear my contacts at night because it is easier to see with glasses, but had not changed yet. I was placed under arrest and handcuffed.
I was told my car would be towed to a shop and not to my home. I was driven to the police station. I was very upset and embarrassed at the situation and crying. At one point I asked the officer to stop because he was pushing too fast and hard against my arm. I can’t walk quickly at any time and certainly not under these conditions. I was frustrated and struggling for the words sometimes and asked him to stop or slow down.
I was trying to keep my cellphone and blow my nose. I wanted someone to come pick me up and didn’t feel like I was being told enough of what was going on because it was routine for all of them. For me it was scary and hurtful.
When being ordered to do the breathing test, I told them that I had COPD. I advised my medical records and medication were out in my car from not unpacking yet. I was told to keep trying it. I kept explaining why I could not. I quit smoking in December and had a pack and a half of cigarettes THAT DAY! It was damp, cold and raining. I couldn’t breath after walking in the building. Since then I have had a sinus infection and taking medication without avail. I had bronchitis from Labor Day to Thanksgiving and Christmas Day I got the flu. I have a weak immune system and try to avoid damp weather situations. He told me if I couldn’t do it, then it would be a refusal. I told him I couldn’t have a refusal on my driving record because it was a CDL. He told me I should have thought of that before I drank and drove. More crying. He was very curt and had no empathy for any situation outside of his routine. I felt processed.
I found out later, my mother in law (a retired County I Live In Correction Officer Supervisor) called the station and assured them someone would be there right away to pick me up. My brother in law and landlord picked me up from the police station and took me home because he could open the door. My keys were with my car. After he left, I realized my glasses were in my purse with my contact case and in my car. ALL of my glasses were in my car because I hadn’t unpacked from Joplin yet. So I call Tom’s Towing and tell the man I need my purse for my glasses. He agrees to meet me there and I walk to the station and claim my purse. He offers to give me a ride home and I accept.
I tell him I will pick up my car as soon as I locate the required $115 pick up fee. Which is not until Monday. I called Tom’s on Saturday and they advised no further charges, as long as I picked it up Monday. Later I realized my nebulizer was still in the car too, but I had enough inhalers to go til Monday. When I picked the car up, Tom’s notified the police, otherwise the cars are picked up by the police for being stolen.
A culmination of many years of life and situations all came together at one point the night I couldn’t turn off my bright lights. An embarrassing situation was escalated beyond the moment and now more people have to get involved and help me defend myself for just being me.
I can provide statements from friends and family members regarding my health and issues concerning memory, mobility and illnesses. As a holder of a Commercial Driving License, I have pride in having no tickets in four years n
ow. I have only one speeding ticket on my CDL, ever and no accidents or reportable violations. I must preserve the integrity of my license in case my disability is again denied.
I appreciate your concern and cooperation in these matters and I look to your experience and guidance to lead to a successful journey of absolution.
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My biggest regret is that my eloquent abilities are only with the written word. In speaking I am hesitant, stammering, indecisive and distant. Please forgive this disparity.
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What a shame it all went down like that. Didn’t they offer to do a blood test to clear up the DUI issue? Maybe that would have helped with the charge.
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