A few weeks ago, I went to the drive-thru at Chick-fil-A on Highway 66 in Sevierville where I live. One year ago, I had gone into AFib at 3:30 am, collapsing onto the stepstool next to my bed. Fortunately, my cell phone was on the nightstand, and I was able to call 911. At that point, I was not even able to lift a finger. After being in CCU for a week, I was released. Although one doesn't recover from AFib, you can get somewhat better. Prior to my AFib experience, my body was telling me something was wrong. I had lots of chest and back pain. It affected my work, and my entire world fell apart; my health, my finances.

A couple of weeks after my hospital stay, I went to Kroger to pick up some prescriptions and decided to get a Senior Coke at Chick-fil-A on Hwy 66. I went to the drive-thru and ordered a Coke after collecting some coins from my cupholder. A young man took my order but didn't give me a cost. I asked him how much it would be, and he responded, "Oh, there's no charge." I was so excited because Chick-fil-A was taking care of seniors. I thanked him and told him how much it meant to me. He said, "It's my pleasure". I drove away feeling so happy that someone had done something so nice for me. After all, it's the little things that count. I was proud of Chick-fil-a for their kindness.

Every week, for a year, I drove through the Hwy 66 location and ordered a Senior Coke as I was running errands. It gave me such an emotional lift. Each time, I expressed how much I appreciated their kindness and how much it meant to me, and that I would order a meal as soon as I was able.

I also went to the Chick-fil-A next to Walmart (same owner as Hwy 66 store) once a week and ordered a Senior Coke. They were always so kind.

These experiences carried me through some difficult times in the last year. I haven't had anyone to help me out at home. It is extremely difficult to prepare my own meals because of severe back pain due to a degenerative lumbar spine. Plus, cooking takes a toll on my energy. Even to prepare a sandwich, I often have to sit down at least once before completing that task.

I have a large, estranged family; therefore, I don't have family to help out. My daughter's husband is CEO of the Eastern European division of the world's largest technology company, and they live in Europe. His mom is also in poor health, and they have been working for more than a year to get her moved into suitable housing, along with making frequent hospital visits.

Last year was a tremendous challenge, so one can see how much a free Senior Coke was much appreciated.

A few weeks ago, I drove through the Hwy 66 Chick-fil-A location and ordered a Senior Coke. A female employee took my order and asked what else I wanted. I told her that was all for today. She said "You can't order just a Senior Coke. You have to order something else, too!" I responded, "You don't offer free Senior Cokes anymore?" She said, "We've NEVER given away free Cokes." At that point, she approached my vehicle and started twerking her mouth and spewing ugly comments. I then decided to pull forward and ask the next employee when they stopped serving Senior Cokes. As I was talking, the previous woman placed herself on speaker so that everyone in the drive-through lanes could hear as she made a complaint to management about a driver who asked for a senior Coke, that I was now talking to another employee, and that I was driving a gold sedan. She acted as if she were on the battlefield, watching the enemy approach.

A few seconds later, the manager made a sharp turn around the building, walking like a North Korean soldier; her blonde ponytail swishing back and forth. She first approached the ranter, then came to my vehicle. I asked her when they stopped serving Senior Cokes. She stuttered a bit and said, "About three months ago". I thanked her and drove ahead.

I stopped where the pickup area and every employee was standing like a warrior with their arms folded while giving me a dirty look. I asked what the manager's name was, and was told it was Geneva. At that point, the woman immediately said "Byeeeeee!" as she laughed and pointed the way out.

The employees only heard one side of the story: that of the first order taker.

I then drove to a large parking area near the store and called corporate headquarters to report the incident. The man, Steven, took my complaint, apologized, and said the store owner would be contacting me to apologize. I sat in my car for about fifteen minutes crying because the store made me feel as if I had committed a crime. Steven told me that the owner of the store would be contacting me. However, I only received a curt apology from corporate via email and a coupon for a free "side" dish. I didn't want anything. I just wanted an apology from Hwy 66.

The experience was very hurtful and certainly uncalled for. I decided last week to drive through again and order some chicken nuggets to ease the pain of my previous visit. The store has placed military-looking guard stations in the drive-through lanes instead of using the large overhead heaters.

It appears that Geneva has possibly served in the military and thinks she needs to set up the Chick-fil-A store as a foreign battlefield. I have been on a number of U.S. military bases during the War in Afghanistan, including Ramstein and Spangdalem in Germany (you have to have Secret Service clearance to go on base), and was treated with great respect, unlike my experience at Hwy 66 base.

So, grab your wallets and head over to Chick-fil-A on Hwy 66 in Sevierville to get your Taste of North Korea. Be sure to bring your passport; you might need it to get past the guard station.