Mom moved on to new location but her utilities remained connected.
The death of a loved one brings mind-numbing grief to the family. Mix in the endless forms to complete, offices to visit, phone calls to make—I’ve been tempted to ride off into the sunset a time or two. And then I’ve met people like Linda and Amy and Roger and Patty and Haley and Bob and Rodney and Dean who’ve come alongside to provide encouragement and guidance. With those folks helping me my spirit soared once again. But nothing prepared me to do battle with Suddenlink.
The hated cable company
Americans love to hate their cable company or internet provider and most everyone has a war story to share. I’ve been steamed at the outrageous rates Mom was charged for a no-frills-not-even-voice-mail VOIP line and her basic cable. She was forced to pay Suddenlink $1 every month just to get a bill delivered to her mailbox. I’d already endured their insurmountable phone barricade as a dutiful son helping with issues. My personal recommendation was to cut the cord, convert the phone to a cell, and install an antenna for the local channel access. One Suddenlink-free month would cover the conversion expenses. But no deal. That landline gave Mom a sense of comfort.
Well, now, pilgrims. I’ve been confirmed as executor of Mom’s estate by the fiduciary branch of Kanawha County‘s government, and suddenly I have the power to unlink from Suddenlink.
After wading through phone menus with the press something if you need another language and press this if you want that instructions I fought the urge to scream at the phone. How could a company that makes its fortune providing a service to customers be so unconcerned about serving those customers? I repeated the trek through the options multiple times and finally netted a real human who informed me I had reached the wrong department and would have to call back since she was unable to transfer the call.
Boiling anger
My anger boiled as I determined not to lose this war. I ended the call and prepared to redial. I felt a gentle calm flow through my raging heart. Wait! Stop! Hold on a second! These words I had read earlier in the morning came back to remind me.
for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:20
I also thought about one of my favorite passages from Proverbs.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Yes, I stopped and I asked God for wisdom, His wisdom, to handle the situation with poise and decorum. I listened carefully to the entire list of options and heard one I had missed multiple times. Inspiration struck me!
Coffee out the nose
Shawn sat beside me enjoying her coffee while I spoke the magic chant into the receiver to select that hopeful option, “Moving out of service area.” I did not know one could shoot coffee out one’s nose with such force.
In seconds I was connected to a human with the necessary skills to handle my request. I explained that my Mom would no longer be living in their service area, and I needed help to terminate her service. The gentleman offered to connect her phone and TV at the new location, but I assured him that Suddenlink did not offer service there.
Coffee out the nose again
A second spray of coffee exited Shawn’s nose, and I had to shush her uprising laughter.
The process took only a few phone minutes followed by a short car expedition to return Suddenlink’s little black boxes. I had completed my executor’s duty.
God cares about the little things as much as the big things, and He offers ample wisdom for handling whatever we face. Of that I am certain.
I am equally certain Mom has no interest in VOIP or any number of cable channels. She has other things to occupy her thoughts and days. Glorious things.
Out of service area indeed.
Only you and Shawn can relate that life event with a transition to a cable cutting war story that kept me hoping and cheering you on to victory.
You two are such a blessing.
Thank you.
Ohh, that’s funny! And I can just see Shawn getting silly while you are trying to be serious as you explain that your mom has moved out of the service area. That’s awesome!
We love you guys and miss you!
Yes, Shawn gets the giggles and cannot stop. Hard to not be caught up in that moment. LOL. We miss you and Keith, too.
It’s always a good thing when God gives you a coffee blowing wife!! He has such a sense of humor! Hang in there buddy, it’s almost over!
Thank you, Julie. We have found humor in the oddest places in the last few weeks along with constant reminders of God’s presence. Thank you for holding us up in prayer so faithfully.
Did you stay on line for the satisfaction survey? It will only take a few minutes of your time ….. right!
Hang in there my friend!
I did not hang around for the satisfaction survey. LOL!
Jon, I have been thinking of you often and praying for you. Gary and I are here for you if you need us. We are good listeners.
Thank you, Debbie, for the thoughts and prayers.
I know what you are talking about with the grief, paperwork and numerous phone calls. My brother passed away on June 8 and they won’t even let me take care of bills since I’m not executor. Now trying to find place and coordinate times Makes me know I truly need to put it in God’s hands. So sorry for the loss of your mom!
My condolences, Linda. My Uncle Bob counseled me that I will have good and bad days. And he added that prayer and a nap are always good choices.