Guest guest Posted January 13, 2004 Report Posted January 13, 2004 I read this in a magazine put out by the Multiple Sclerosis Society and thought I would share it with all of you. I think it's great!!! When using my handicap sticker for parking, I had to endure harassment of the " you look to healthy " kind more often than I care to think about. I thought I would pass along my personal solution. Now, when someone approaches me, I smile and hand them a pre-typed note that says: " Thank you for your interest in my disease. If you would like to make a contribution to the National MS Society, call 1-800-FIGHT-MS. Who knows, maybe a cure will be found! I would gladly give someone else my handicapped parking space if they would also take my disease. If you could see what I feel! Thank you and have a nice day (I'm trying to). " Don't you love it? This was submitted to the magazine by a gal from Michigan, named Terry. Rita Luv & Hugs! ************************************* Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because of them. It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! Quote
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2004 Report Posted January 13, 2004 Thank you for shareing, I have a cousin who has M.S and I sent it her way. I too had an experience with a lady with my handi cap tag. At the time the only thing visible on me was a slight gait. The woman started yelling at me telling me I had no right to that parking space. It really hurt my feelings so when I got out of my car I walked up to her car to try to nicely explain my situation to her. She rolled up her window and started honking her horn to get other peoples attention and wouldnt listen too me. So I put my hands together as if I was praying and pointed to her, then walked away. I then wrote a letter to the editor in our local paper and explained what had happened and stated that a person didnt need to have a disability that was visible to be able to have the handi cap tag. Sandy Disabled Parking I read this in a magazine put out by the Multiple Sclerosis Society and thought I would share it with all of you. I think it's great!!! When using my handicap sticker for parking, I had to endure harassment of the " you look to healthy " kind more often than I care to think about. I thought I would pass along my personal solution. Now, when someone approaches me, I smile and hand them a pre-typed note that says: " Thank you for your interest in my disease. If you would like to make a contribution to the National MS Society, call 1-800-FIGHT-MS. Who knows, maybe a cure will be found! I would gladly give someone else my handicapped parking space if they would also take my disease. If you could see what I feel! Thank you and have a nice day (I'm trying to). " Don't you love it? This was submitted to the magazine by a gal from Michigan, named Terry. Rita Luv & Hugs! ************************************* Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because of them. It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 Thanks Sandy, glad you enjoyed it. I was quite surprised that you were the only one to comment on that post. Guess it's not very high on one's list of gripes. Rita Luv & Hugs! ************************************* Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because of them. It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 > Thanks Sandy, glad you enjoyed it. I was quite surprised that you were > the only one to comment on that post. Guess it's not very high on one's > list of gripes. > > Rita hiya rita, well actually, i didn't respond to the post because i often have the same, but opposite problem with the handicap parking. rarely a time goes by...especially at walmart, when i'm trying to find a handicap spot...i usually have to end up parking in those yellow lined spots, the no parking area, because there are no handicap spots left. it takes me so much time and enourmous effort to get out of the car and begin my seemingly long journey to the store.........along comes a youngish man or woman with a few kids...bopping, running, laughing and get into a car in the handicap zone. ARGH!! now, ya just gotta know that they are using the tag that belongs to their mom or dad or aunt. often times they look at me struggling top get to the store and they are truly embarrassed.....I have never said a word to these people, but it sure does make me feel badly...and i sure hope it makes them feel ashamed. I think i've told the story here before about the pastor's wife that i used to work with.....they both had handicap tags in their cars for the handicapped people in their congregation......and guess who was parked in the handicap spot at the movies one night....without any handicap parishoners with them. yep....now that really p***ed me off. they saw me, too, but it never stopped them from doing that. so, yes i do realize that often disabilities are not readily seen, but when i do see someone who bounces and skips along to the handicap spot, then I'm upset.....but, as i said, i would never say anything cuz you just never know...... maggie Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 Dear Rita, I enjoyed it too! I did not have a chance to respond. I was wondering where can you get a card like that printed? Thanks for sharing! Re: Disabled Parking > Thanks Sandy, glad you enjoyed it. I was quite surprised that you were > the only one to comment on that post. Guess it's not very high on one's > list of gripes. > > Rita > > Luv & Hugs! > > > > > ************************************* > Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because > of them. > > > It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 Rita here in Florida there are special parking spaces that are designed to allow vans only in disabled parking they are like parallel parking spots but only bigger. in our Walmart there are about six of them.............Flora Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 Dear Maggie, I have the same feelings at times. Like Rita's post you never know. Really wanted to say, " shame on your pastor. He knows better. And shame on the mom. " But you know they are not thinking, if they were thinking they would be so ashamed. Someday they will have to think about it. Your story broke my heart. I am sorry this happened to you. Re: Disabled Parking > > > Thanks Sandy, glad you enjoyed it. I was quite surprised that you > were > > the only one to comment on that post. Guess it's not very high on > one's > > list of gripes. > > > > Rita > > > hiya rita, > well actually, i didn't respond to the post because i often have the > same, but opposite problem with the handicap parking. > > rarely a time goes by...especially at walmart, when i'm trying to > find a handicap spot...i usually have to end up parking in those > yellow lined spots, the no parking area, because there are no > handicap spots left. it takes me so much time and enourmous effort > to get out of the car and begin my seemingly long journey to the > store.........along comes a youngish man or woman with a few > kids...bopping, running, laughing and get into a car in the handicap > zone. ARGH!! now, ya just gotta know that they are using the tag > that belongs to their mom or dad or aunt. often times they look at > me struggling top get to the store and they are truly > embarrassed.....I have never said a word to these people, but it > sure does make me feel badly...and i sure hope it makes them feel > ashamed. > > I think i've told the story here before about the pastor's wife that > i used to work with.....they both had handicap tags in their cars > for the handicapped people in their congregation......and guess who > was parked in the handicap spot at the movies one night....without > any handicap parishoners with them. yep....now that really p***ed > me off. they saw me, too, but it never stopped them from doing that. > > so, yes i do realize that often disabilities are not readily seen, > but when i do see someone who bounces and skips along to the > handicap spot, then I'm upset.....but, as i said, i would never say > anything cuz you just never know...... > > maggie > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 I don't know where, but I think I can have my son-in-law print up something for me. What bugs me is, for instance when I go out by myself and I can't find a parking space big enough to let me out in my power chair. The week before Christmas I ventured out to the mall on my own and I parked at Sears at the farthest spot in the parking lot. When I returned I was boxed in and had to wait for somebody to come along move the van to an area where I could get the lift down. Stupid people can see the lift in the van, it happens so often. I am definately going to print some sort of a flyer to put under a windshield. Oh well such is life! Rita Luv & Hugs! ************************************* Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because of them. It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 Hi Rita, I read your post about the MS woman who had a printed piece to give to people about her handicapped parking, too. I didn't comment on it because I didn't have anything good to say about it. It seemed rather sarcastic to me and while I take every opportunity to educate people about PLS, I think a tactful, verbal explanation is preferable to shoving a piece of paper in someone's face. It verges on hostility and makes handicapped people appear to be angry and bitter--not how I'd like to be considered. I have my share of " gripes " about handicapped parking, too, but being on the defensive begets further defensiveness. Dolores Re: Disabled Parking > > > Thanks Sandy, glad you enjoyed it. I was quite surprised that you > were > > the only one to comment on that post. Guess it's not very high on > one's > > list of gripes. > > > > Rita > > > hiya rita, > well actually, i didn't respond to the post because i often have the > same, but opposite problem with the handicap parking. > > rarely a time goes by...especially at walmart, when i'm trying to > find a handicap spot...i usually have to end up parking in those > yellow lined spots, the no parking area, because there are no > handicap spots left. it takes me so much time and enourmous effort > to get out of the car and begin my seemingly long journey to the > store.........along comes a youngish man or woman with a few > kids...bopping, running, laughing and get into a car in the handicap > zone. ARGH!! now, ya just gotta know that they are using the tag > that belongs to their mom or dad or aunt. often times they look at > me struggling top get to the store and they are truly > embarrassed.....I have never said a word to these people, but it > sure does make me feel badly...and i sure hope it makes them feel > ashamed. > > I think i've told the story here before about the pastor's wife that > i used to work with.....they both had handicap tags in their cars > for the handicapped people in their congregation......and guess who > was parked in the handicap spot at the movies one night....without > any handicap parishoners with them. yep....now that really p***ed > me off. they saw me, too, but it never stopped them from doing that. > > so, yes i do realize that often disabilities are not readily seen, > but when i do see someone who bounces and skips along to the > handicap spot, then I'm upset.....but, as i said, i would never say > anything cuz you just never know...... > > maggie > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 I've thought about a large magnetic sign to post on the drop side of my van. It would say something like: CAUTION RAMP DROP SIDE - PARKING TOO CLOSE MIGHT DAMAGE YOUR VEHICLE!!! That might be something we could sell on the SPF web site. Can anyone make a sign like that - or where would I go to to get one made? Donna > I don't know where, but I think I can have my son-in-law print up > something for me. What bugs me is, for instance when I go out by myself > and I can't find a parking space big enough to let me out in my power > chair. The week before Christmas I ventured out to the mall on my own > and I parked at Sears at the farthest spot in the parking lot. When I > returned I was boxed in and had to wait for somebody to come along move > the van to an area where I could get the lift down. Stupid people can > see the lift in the van, it happens so often. I am definately going to > print some sort of a flyer to put under a windshield. > > Oh well such is life! > > Rita > > Luv & Hugs! > > > > > ************************************* > Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because > of them. > > > It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 Gee Donna, what a great idea, wished I had " thunk " of it! Rita Luv & Hugs! ************************************* Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because of them. It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 Flora: Walmart parking is great, it's the only place I feel comfortable going by myself. We do have van parking here in NH, and nobody pays attention. Wished it was van parking only! Rita Luv & Hugs! ************************************* Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because of them. It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 Hi Delores i think we need window stickers the more people that know about what could happen to them the more we get our society to get it's head out of the sand and look at what maybe making our people sick .It is all too often man hides from reality .i feel if my parents would have been more open about sickness i may not be in this situation today .But they could not afford Medical help and just decided to get on with their lives the best they could and not talk about it ..But we (most of us ) can aford Medical help and should do whatever we can to find way to keep our children and their children fro having to go through this.so dont you think we need to let people know what could hit them some day and even try to iliminate it GEO Re: Disabled Parking > > > Thanks Sandy, glad you enjoyed it. I was quite surprised that you > were > > the only one to comment on that post. Guess it's not very high on > one's > > list of gripes. > > > > Rita > > > hiya rita, > well actually, i didn't respond to the post because i often have the > same, but opposite problem with the handicap parking. > > rarely a time goes by...especially at walmart, when i'm trying to > find a handicap spot...i usually have to end up parking in those > yellow lined spots, the no parking area, because there are no > handicap spots left. it takes me so much time and enourmous effort > to get out of the car and begin my seemingly long journey to the > store.........along comes a youngish man or woman with a few > kids...bopping, running, laughing and get into a car in the handicap > zone. ARGH!! now, ya just gotta know that they are using the tag > that belongs to their mom or dad or aunt. often times they look at > me struggling top get to the store and they are truly > embarrassed.....I have never said a word to these people, but it > sure does make me feel badly...and i sure hope it makes them feel > ashamed. > > I think i've told the story here before about the pastor's wife that > i used to work with.....they both had handicap tags in their cars > for the handicapped people in their congregation......and guess who > was parked in the handicap spot at the movies one night....without > any handicap parishoners with them. yep....now that really p***ed > me off. they saw me, too, but it never stopped them from doing that. > > so, yes i do realize that often disabilities are not readily seen, > but when i do see someone who bounces and skips along to the > handicap spot, then I'm upset.....but, as i said, i would never say > anything cuz you just never know...... > > maggie > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 You know i didnt realize it but we have alot of Comedians in our group LOL GEO Re: Disabled Parking I've thought about a large magnetic sign to post on the drop side of my van. It would say something like: CAUTION RAMP DROP SIDE - PARKING TOO CLOSE MIGHT DAMAGE YOUR VEHICLE!!! That might be something we could sell on the SPF web site. Can anyone make a sign like that - or where would I go to to get one made? Donna > I don't know where, but I think I can have my son-in-law print up > something for me. What bugs me is, for instance when I go out by myself > and I can't find a parking space big enough to let me out in my power > chair. The week before Christmas I ventured out to the mall on my own > and I parked at Sears at the farthest spot in the parking lot. When I > returned I was boxed in and had to wait for somebody to come along move > the van to an area where I could get the lift down. Stupid people can > see the lift in the van, it happens so often. I am definately going to > print some sort of a flyer to put under a windshield. > > Oh well such is life! > > Rita > > Luv & Hugs! > > > > > ************************************* > Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because > of them. > > > It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 You know i didnt realize it but we have alot of Comedians in our group LOL GEO Re: Disabled Parking I've thought about a large magnetic sign to post on the drop side of my van. It would say something like: CAUTION RAMP DROP SIDE - PARKING TOO CLOSE MIGHT DAMAGE YOUR VEHICLE!!! That might be something we could sell on the SPF web site. Can anyone make a sign like that - or where would I go to to get one made? Donna > I don't know where, but I think I can have my son-in-law print up > something for me. What bugs me is, for instance when I go out by myself > and I can't find a parking space big enough to let me out in my power > chair. The week before Christmas I ventured out to the mall on my own > and I parked at Sears at the farthest spot in the parking lot. When I > returned I was boxed in and had to wait for somebody to come along move > the van to an area where I could get the lift down. Stupid people can > see the lift in the van, it happens so often. I am definately going to > print some sort of a flyer to put under a windshield. > > Oh well such is life! > > Rita > > Luv & Hugs! > > > > > ************************************* > Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because > of them. > > > It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 Rita i bet it wont matter some people drive like there head is in their you know what. just park and stay in your car sometime and watch the idiots. I geuss that the world we live in today GEO Re: Disabled Parking I don't know where, but I think I can have my son-in-law print up something for me. What bugs me is, for instance when I go out by myself and I can't find a parking space big enough to let me out in my power chair. The week before Christmas I ventured out to the mall on my own and I parked at Sears at the farthest spot in the parking lot. When I returned I was boxed in and had to wait for somebody to come along move the van to an area where I could get the lift down. Stupid people can see the lift in the van, it happens so often. I am definately going to print some sort of a flyer to put under a windshield. Oh well such is life! Rita Luv & Hugs! ************************************* Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because of them. It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 Rita i bet it wont matter some people drive like there head is in their you know what. just park and stay in your car sometime and watch the idiots. I geuss that the world we live in today GEO Re: Disabled Parking I don't know where, but I think I can have my son-in-law print up something for me. What bugs me is, for instance when I go out by myself and I can't find a parking space big enough to let me out in my power chair. The week before Christmas I ventured out to the mall on my own and I parked at Sears at the farthest spot in the parking lot. When I returned I was boxed in and had to wait for somebody to come along move the van to an area where I could get the lift down. Stupid people can see the lift in the van, it happens so often. I am definately going to print some sort of a flyer to put under a windshield. Oh well such is life! Rita Luv & Hugs! ************************************* Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because of them. It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 I have disabled tags on my Harley. Most folks give me a positive " thumbs-up " when they see my ride and the tag. The only bad experience I had was when a rent-a-cop saw my bike in a handicap spot from a distance. While he was walking towards me, he made several loud, smart-ass comments to people in the area on how he was going to write a book of tickets on me. When he finally got close enough to see my handicap tag, instead of apologizing, he demanded (again loud) my license and registration. Now at this point I should have complied and politely showed my papers. I didn't. I dug my heels in a tried my best to talk my way into jail. Luckily, I had a moment of clarity and realized where this conversation was headed and shut up. I guess I'm like most of you and would trade my handicap tag for good health in a New York minute. But, since I'm stuck with PLS, I'll use the handicap tag. I really appreciate all the people that wave, smile and give me a thumbs-up on the highways, and reserve the right to detonate whenever I hear a snide comment. Disabled Parking > > > > I read this in a magazine put out by the Multiple Sclerosis Society and > thought I would share it with all of you. I think it's great!!! > > When using my handicap sticker for parking, I had to endure harassment > of the " you look to healthy " kind more often than I care to think about. > I thought I would pass along my personal solution. Now, when someone > approaches me, I smile and hand them a pre-typed note that says: > > " Thank you for your interest in my disease. If you would like to make a > contribution to the National MS Society, call 1-800-FIGHT-MS. Who > knows, maybe a cure will be found! I would gladly give someone else my > handicapped parking space if they would also take my disease. If you > could see what I feel! Thank you and have a nice day (I'm trying to). " > > Don't you love it? This was submitted to the magazine by a gal from > Michigan, named Terry. > > Rita > > Luv & Hugs! > > > > > ************************************* > Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because > of them. > > > It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 I have disabled tags on my Harley. Most folks give me a positive " thumbs-up " when they see my ride and the tag. The only bad experience I had was when a rent-a-cop saw my bike in a handicap spot from a distance. While he was walking towards me, he made several loud, smart-ass comments to people in the area on how he was going to write a book of tickets on me. When he finally got close enough to see my handicap tag, instead of apologizing, he demanded (again loud) my license and registration. Now at this point I should have complied and politely showed my papers. I didn't. I dug my heels in a tried my best to talk my way into jail. Luckily, I had a moment of clarity and realized where this conversation was headed and shut up. I guess I'm like most of you and would trade my handicap tag for good health in a New York minute. But, since I'm stuck with PLS, I'll use the handicap tag. I really appreciate all the people that wave, smile and give me a thumbs-up on the highways, and reserve the right to detonate whenever I hear a snide comment. Disabled Parking > > > > I read this in a magazine put out by the Multiple Sclerosis Society and > thought I would share it with all of you. I think it's great!!! > > When using my handicap sticker for parking, I had to endure harassment > of the " you look to healthy " kind more often than I care to think about. > I thought I would pass along my personal solution. Now, when someone > approaches me, I smile and hand them a pre-typed note that says: > > " Thank you for your interest in my disease. If you would like to make a > contribution to the National MS Society, call 1-800-FIGHT-MS. Who > knows, maybe a cure will be found! I would gladly give someone else my > handicapped parking space if they would also take my disease. If you > could see what I feel! Thank you and have a nice day (I'm trying to). " > > Don't you love it? This was submitted to the magazine by a gal from > Michigan, named Terry. > > Rita > > Luv & Hugs! > > > > > ************************************* > Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because > of them. > > > It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > Quote
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Posted January 14, 2004 geo: your probably right about the " heads " Rita Luv & Hugs! ************************************* Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because of them. It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! Quote
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2004 Report Posted January 15, 2004 I absolutely do think that we need to be the ones to educate others about our disorder(s). I do not object to either a verbal or a written explanation. I just felt that the way Rita's initial posting was worded (not through Rita's fault, but from the original article in the MS publication) that it sounded like an angry, abrupt response to the " challenger " . Just thrusting a piece of paper at someone sounded rather hostile to me. I know Rita and she's a sweetie--no hostility there. I think Galen's printed cards sound informative and tactful. Dolores Re: Disabled Parking > > > > > > > Thanks Sandy, glad you enjoyed it. I was quite surprised that you > > were > > > the only one to comment on that post. Guess it's not very high on > > one's > > > list of gripes. > > > > > > Rita > > > > > > hiya rita, > > well actually, i didn't respond to the post because i often have the > > same, but opposite problem with the handicap parking. > > > > rarely a time goes by...especially at walmart, when i'm trying to > > find a handicap spot...i usually have to end up parking in those > > yellow lined spots, the no parking area, because there are no > > handicap spots left. it takes me so much time and enourmous effort > > to get out of the car and begin my seemingly long journey to the > > store.........along comes a youngish man or woman with a few > > kids...bopping, running, laughing and get into a car in the handicap > > zone. ARGH!! now, ya just gotta know that they are using the tag > > that belongs to their mom or dad or aunt. often times they look at > > me struggling top get to the store and they are truly > > embarrassed.....I have never said a word to these people, but it > > sure does make me feel badly...and i sure hope it makes them feel > > ashamed. > > > > I think i've told the story here before about the pastor's wife that > > i used to work with.....they both had handicap tags in their cars > > for the handicapped people in their congregation......and guess who > > was parked in the handicap spot at the movies one night....without > > any handicap parishoners with them. yep....now that really p***ed > > me off. they saw me, too, but it never stopped them from doing that. > > > > so, yes i do realize that often disabilities are not readily seen, > > but when i do see someone who bounces and skips along to the > > handicap spot, then I'm upset.....but, as i said, i would never say > > anything cuz you just never know...... > > > > maggie > > > > > > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2004 Report Posted January 17, 2004 It is frustrating when that occurs. My solution has been to take 2 spots and park diagonally. Lavon At 01:12 PM 1/14/2004, you wrote: >I don't know where, but I think I can have my son-in-law print up >something for me. What bugs me is, for instance when I go out by myself >and I can't find a parking space big enough to let me out in my power >chair. The week before Christmas I ventured out to the mall on my own >and I parked at Sears at the farthest spot in the parking lot. When I >returned I was boxed in and had to wait for somebody to come along move >the van to an area where I could get the lift down. Stupid people can >see the lift in the van, it happens so often. I am definately going to >print some sort of a flyer to put under a windshield. > >Oh well such is life! > >Rita > >Luv & Hugs! > > > > >************************************* >Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because >of them. > > >It's better to have Laugh Wrinkles than Worry Warts! > > > > > Quote
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