Lessons in compassion and respect

In a one week period of time, I have have more lessons in compassion and respect than I have had over the past couple of years. It started last week after my hearing at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review in San Rafael. After my hearing was over, the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) told me a story of an unrepresented claimant whose case had been assigned to this ALJ. The ALJ decided to make an “on the record decision” in favor of the claimant. He related the procedural history and the outcome of the case with such compassion; I could see it in his eyes. I thought to myself that I wish there were more of him and that I should make it my goal to emulate him.
The opposite experience occurred two days later when I went to a citizenship interview at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services with my elderly and disabled client. We were not treated with compassion and respect. We were treated with almost some kind of presumption that my client was lying – as if she wanted to be disabled. It was an awful experience. This will definitely be a case to appeal.
This week I have been accompanying my elderly relative to legal and health care appointments. My relative has noticeable cognitive impairments; nevertheless, the people we have met have treated him with respect and have taken the time to listen to him. He feels like he has been heard and that is very important to him.
Finally, today, I had my last physical therapy appointment with my physical therapist at Sport and Spine Therapy of Marin. (I would mention my therapist’s name but she would be embarrassed if I did.) It turned out that I did not have carpal tunnel but rather tendonitis. Through her care and treatment, my hands feel normal again. While sitting at therapy for an hour twice a week, I have been able to observe how she relates to others and of course to me. She took the time to listen to each person she saw and plan a course of treatment specific to that patient. Although she was very busy, I believe everyone felt that she knew their medical condition. I saw her treat everyone with respect and compassion. As with the Judge, I felt I could learn something from the physical therapist. It is possible to be busy but still treat people with respect and compassion.
We are living in difficult financial times, as we all know. We all could use a little compassion and respect in our lives. It goes a long way.

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“ “As single woman, I arrived in the United States with my two young sons in 1998. In 2001 a friend of mine referred me to Attorney Kahn. I was seeking asylum from India. She won my case and I was able to raise my sons as a single parent in the United States. It is now May 2013 and my oldest son just attended his citizenship oath ceremony and my youngest son and myself are attending our ceremonies in June. Both of my sons have now graduated High School and have a bright future in the United States. From day one, Geri listened to me. She understood how I felt and she never treated me like just another client. She cared about what happened to me and my sons future. Throughout my case she remained in constant contact with, returned all of my calls, and more recently prepared my family for our citizenship interviews. If you want an attorney that you can trust and who really cares about outcome of your case she is the person to go to.””
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“ "I had a Social Security Disability case at the federal level. I had an attorney who could not handle the case. That attorney referred me to Geri. She told me Geri would be able to approach Federal cases better. I was really worried that I would be denied again. I had a bad attorney before, and I was worried to lose the case. However, I was satisfied with Geri because she was able to approach the hearing well, and she spoke well about my conditions. She was detailed in explaining how I could not work. It was wonderful because Geri would always keep me informed. She would help me with the situation, explain everything to me and my husband, and she was able to answer my questions and concerns. Geri went to the hearing, and I did not have to go. But during that time, I was really worried and anxious. After the hearing, my husband and I received detailed information from Geri as to what happened in the hearing. If I had a friend who needed a SS attorney, I would refer her to Geri because she is very thorough, helpful and understanding. Geri was very helpful; she helped me with the situation. My husband and I were very happy with the firm and hearing."”
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“ "Geri N. Kahn and her team are extremely kind and passionate. This was a very difficult journey to take. It wasn’t that I wanted social security disability benefits; the fact was that I needed SSDI to live. When I initially applied to SSA, I was told that I would receive my benefits once my state disability ran out. But for some reason, SSA flipped that decision and denied it. They said I did not qualify. After this, I knew I needed help with my case, and I sought help from Geri. I am very grateful to her and her team. I am especially appreciative towards Toni, the legal assistant, for answering all of my questions/concerns. Ultimately, I am thankful for all of their support, organization, and knowledge. Geri N. Kahn has expertise and the “know-how” when presenting the facts of your case, if you unfortunately have one. The fact is trust in their logo with the golden horse jumping over the obstacle."”
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