I am posting this where the gentleman can see it so he'll know how bad I feel. Sometimes stuff happens, but ultimately it is up to me to make it right.
An ECCIE member I have not met previously set an appointment this morning for 4 p.m., was driving quite a ways from from one of Houston's satellite towns, and a few minutes ago I had to call him and cancel - and he was only 10 minutes out. AAARRRGGHH! He was very polite and understanding, but I know he wasn't happy, and I would be mad, too. My apartment complex recently changed owners and has been undergoing renovations for the better (I and the other tenants have greatly appreciated the improvements), but around 3:40 p.m. the construction crew decided to pull down the old metal and cement staircase going to the second floor, and it collapsed in big chunks right on the doorstep of my unit on the first floor. (I don't think that was exactly their intention.) There isn't any way for me to get out of my apartment right now, much less let someone in. (Who the heck starts such a project so late in the day? What about the people living upstairs coming home from work soon?) My building was supposed to be notified of when they were going to do this for safety reasons, but oops, I guess someone forgot.
Try explaining this over the phone to an upset fellow on the freeway who's ready to climb over the rubble? (Bless his heart.) I couldn't even concentrate if he were here with all the jackhammers and saws and commotion and... and... and...
I feel awful. Of course he will get a free make-up session, but I just hope he believes me. I have NEVER cancelled with this little notice. A few years ago I was on the way to an outcall, got into a car accident, and had to reschedule from the back of an ambulance, but even then I was able to give the gentleman an hour's warning and he wasn't inconvenienced after a long drive. A mere apology seems shallow, but all I've got right now.
I'M SORRRRRRRRRY!