You Do Not Have to be in a Wheelchair to be Handicapped
Friday! It's not Friday the 13 or anything, but it seems like today is not my day!
I went to the gas station and fueled up my car since the weather forecast is not going to be good tomorrow. (We suppose to get from 3 to 7 inches of snow, yikes, more shoveling!!)
Standing by the counter, I was minding my own business as I paid for my gas, a man in the wheelchair came next to me and made his being known with a loud voice. He asked: "Is that your Honda out there?" I answered: "Yes! Why?"
He moved away with his wheelchair and said: "Nothing! It's just that's a handicap parking!" Rude man, I thought! You don't accuse people and walk away!
I snapped right back: "I'm handicapped!!! I have a handicap license plate on!" He quickly disappeared behind the shelf without another word. A few customers in the store looked after the man and shook their heads.
I was still in a stage of shock! Did he have a look at my license plate? Did he see the way I walked? Do I have to be in a wheelchair to be considered handicapped? I mean, before you make an accusation to embarrass people in public place, shouldn't you find out the fact first?
If I have known he is coming, and needed the space more than me, I would have gladly given it to him. However, at the time of my arrival, he was no where to be found!
I feel really stupid having to defense myself as a handicapped! Handicapped people come in many different forms, sizes, shapes, and needs. One should not have to be in a wheelchair to prove that they are handicapped!
I went to the gas station and fueled up my car since the weather forecast is not going to be good tomorrow. (We suppose to get from 3 to 7 inches of snow, yikes, more shoveling!!)
Standing by the counter, I was minding my own business as I paid for my gas, a man in the wheelchair came next to me and made his being known with a loud voice. He asked: "Is that your Honda out there?" I answered: "Yes! Why?"
He moved away with his wheelchair and said: "Nothing! It's just that's a handicap parking!" Rude man, I thought! You don't accuse people and walk away!
I snapped right back: "I'm handicapped!!! I have a handicap license plate on!" He quickly disappeared behind the shelf without another word. A few customers in the store looked after the man and shook their heads.
I was still in a stage of shock! Did he have a look at my license plate? Did he see the way I walked? Do I have to be in a wheelchair to be considered handicapped? I mean, before you make an accusation to embarrass people in public place, shouldn't you find out the fact first?
If I have known he is coming, and needed the space more than me, I would have gladly given it to him. However, at the time of my arrival, he was no where to be found!
I feel really stupid having to defense myself as a handicapped! Handicapped people come in many different forms, sizes, shapes, and needs. One should not have to be in a wheelchair to prove that they are handicapped!
5 comments:
I do concur, Icy! I don't understand why people are so pushy. As some people know, I have recently been subject to having to use public transportation. This is very difficult when you have some physical disabilities.
After working a 12 hour day last week I was on my second leg of my trip(bus #2) and I was beat. My hip was hurting and I managed to get a space halfway back where there were two seats, so I propped up my leg to alleviate the pressure on my hip.
A young man boarded the bus and all but sat on my leg to make me move, so that he could sit in the seat beside me. There were plenty of other seats further back in the bus. He also made a loud clearing of his throat as he did so.
I felt as though everyone was looking at me and was thoroughly angry and embarrassed.
I feel for ya girl!
-M
is the handicap sign discriminatory then? My grandmother, diabetic, didn't have a wheelchair either. The actual percentage of wheeled to not-wheeled is probably very low. Some people need to think first!
Not your day. Rude people everywhere it seems. Shrug it off. Not worth it.
Some people have a chip on their shoulder and need to stop and think!
Michele--The funny thing about this guy is that he thinks he owes the parking spot!
Brandon--I have seen people, who are perfectly looking healthy park in the handicap spot, but they have the license so who am I to say anything to them? This guy attitude toward me was just rude!
Middle Ditch--Thank you my lady!
Glynis--If he would just look at my license before he talked, it would be nicer!
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