Yesterday morning, as I was wandering through Facebook, I stopped at a comment which started with, “To the person who stopped to yell at me in the parking lot . . .”. I had a few minutes to kill, and those posts are often fun to read, but as I scrolled down my blood started to boil. The person was complaining that she had been scolded for parking in a handicap space without the proper placard (or a proper DISABLED person). She went on to say how busy her life was and that she has used that spot every day for two years when she drops off her children at day-care.

Without much thought, I started my response. My hands were shaking and I had tears in my eyes. She had struck a nerve. I’m not sure exactly what I wrote, but I used the words, “shame on you” more than once. I hit send hoping that my words would make her think and realize the sin she had committed. Instead, I watched as she continued to make excuses and ultimately take down the post.

I’m going to give it another shot now that I’ve had a little time to regroup. I know it’s unlikely that she reads this blog, but venting always helps me feel better.

To the woman who posted on Facebook about being yelled at in the parking lot –

I wish you could understand that those of us who have the “luxury” of convenient parking wish that we did not qualify. It took our family years to come to terms with the fact that it was not safe to maneuver our son through parking lots. That our pride was putting our son in danger. We now appreciate knowing that we can find a parking spot close to our destination so that we can easily come and go – quick exits are often as necessary as easy entrances when you are caring for a person with challenges.

And, our family is among the “lucky” placard holders. We appreciate the safety of a close spot – the ability to limit the amount of steps (or hops) it takes Jack to reach wherever we are headed, but many of our friends are literally not able to park without the added space that a handicap spot provides. They are unloading large equipment – walkers, wheelchairs. There is no other option for them.

Handicap placard holders are not just driving around looking for parking. We are living full lives. We have deadlines and commitments. We are busy too. Accessible parking doesn’t just provide connivence, it provides people with disabilities (and their familes) some independence.

I remember my hands being full when my kids were little and I was late. I remember my back straining as I unbuckled the kids, grabbed the diaper bag and extra snacks while yelling, “Don’t move! Let me get your sister!”. I remember holding tiny hands and praying the rain would hold out just one more minute so that we could make it through the parking lot.

I remember those days, and all I can think now is just how easy it was.

Shame on you Facebook lady.

Love, Jess