Handicapped parking has a whole new meaning to me. I was always wondered why there were so many stalls and why in the heck did everyone using them seem fine.
My grandfather had one leg and never used them. He left them for those in need. Sadly now that is me.
We have a sticker and we may look fine but we are not. Shopping is a task, it has to be done but you do not have the energy, desire or time to do it. Then when you finally do, you are anxious, stressed, confused. I take a list but cannot remember where anything is, I want to buy something but it is too far to matter, I get sick to my stomach,I think too hard and then the headache comes. I have to still pay for the items and then people talk to you and you want to throw up. I try to find my "happy place" but there is none. I think about home, does Rob need me, has he fallen, does he need to go to the restroom, has he ventured outside?? I have been gone too long. Nothing you buy matters. I barely make it to the car. So does 20 steps matter -- yes it does.
So when you see someone using handicap parking, best thing you can do is probably give them a hug.
5 comments:
Dear dear Grandma Gypsie-
I would be so very happy to do your grocery shopping for you each and every week. Would you let me take that one thing off your shoulders? You and your hubby have been an inspiration to me and my family for many years. Would you allow me to give back to both of you now at this time? I will call you soon and see how you feel. A grocery list is all I would need. I love you and am thinking and praying for you both.
With much love,
Terrie Cunningham
Thank you for writing this. I have thought the same thing many times. This really helps me to be more understanding of people. I wish it didn't take heartache for us to realize things like this, but I am so glad you shared this to teach others.
love ya Auntie.
I am visiting from M-Cat's blog. I didn't understand how wonerful handicap parking was until I started caring for my Grandmother. Whenever we went to the store, it was a blessing to be closer and have the extra room to get her in an out of her wheelchair or for her to manuever her walker.
It sounds like you should really take Tearbear up on her offer. I know the stress of running to the store while a loved one is home waiting and you're worrying. Accept whatever assistance comes your way.
Bless you!
also here via our mutual friend m-cat. i hear what you're saying in this post. what's beneath the surface is a whole other story than what's visible. i'm not entirely clear on your family's details, but where i can relate is my mom's suffered from fibromyalgia & psoriatic arthritis for most of my life. in the past few years she's also had her situation become more complicated with a diagnosis of celiac. to everyone around her, she looks beautiful & normal. inside she's battling for each & every step forward, among other things. her first handicapped parking tag came when i was a teen. i hadn't realized that people judged here until she and i got out of her car at the grocery store one day, and a woman literally came up and started bawling my mom out & accusing her of fraud and insulting her integrity. it was a sad moment to witness. but it drove home some major lessons for me. hang in there. there is an army of supporters behind you & your family's circumstances. we know & we love. ::hugs::
Hi Grandma Gypsie,
My husband has a handicap parking pass too. We each have our own pain, don't we? Some more visable than others.
Thanks for reminding all of us to be a little kinder and less judgemental.
A friend of M-cat
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