Plain Talk from Skratchy

I would like to use the following incident to highlight what happens when people are insensitive to each other. I am a 32 year old struggling business man. A while ago I was diagnosed with cancer and had to under go two major surgeries and several months of Chemo Therapy. This has left me in remission, but with damaged nerves in my hands and more so my feet. This means that my feet feel a bit numb and wearing shoes is very uncomfortable and difficult so I wear sandals most of the time (even at work).

As a result of my prognosis I try to enjoy life as much as possible. I have explained my situation to several places that would not normally allow persons with sandals to enter. The folks at 51 degrees, for example are accommodating.

Last Saturday, however, a friend of mine asked if I wanted to go to Club Zen and I accepted. I called one of the Managers there, a guy named Vince Charles (I had gotten his card some time ago). After I explained my situation to him he said that it would not be a problem so I decided to go to the club.

When I got there I waited about forty five minutes in the line. When I got at the ticket booth, the girl took my ticket and pointed out that I was wearing sandals, she then turned to a woman who was obviously overseeing the door and told her. The woman started to speak very loudly at me telling me that I can’t get in. When I tried to explain to her that I called ahead and spoke to Mr. Charles she just continued to say I can’t get in. I told her that she did not need to speak in that manner while I was walking down the step, she turned to me and ask me in which manner I was referring. I told her in the stupid manner (as I was upset by then) she replied that the only stupid thing was me trying to get in there. I found out that the woman who was shouting was named Lydia and the she runs the place. While outside I called Mr. Charles, who came out and apologized to me and said that “she is the boss” and that he could do nothing. I left for home.

To the management of Club Zen, is this any way to treat people? Even if I was not to be let in, it could have been handled more discreetly and not in a way to cause me embarrassment due to my illness. I urge anyone with a disability to be aware of people like the management of Club Zen.