I was struggling to find a handicapped spot for my son's wheelchair van. He and I were on a mission to replace some items we lost in the flood.
I pulled into an opening as soon as I spotted it and right beside me another one opened, a midsize SUV pulled into the wheelchair spot and the kid in the driver's seat was on his own. No wheelchair, no equipment for mobility in sight, just a cell phone in his hand he was glued too.
I tucked away my son's ramp and locked my doors while observing this young man hop out of the vehicle. I know, I get it, there's 'invisible disabilities' but there's still these extra wide parking spots for equipment and people should really park elsewhere if they don't utilize the width like those of us who don't want to unload our handicapped family members onto a sidewalk and look around for a 'regular' spot, it's very difficult.
It took me some courage and I rarely do this but as he was hopping out of the car and walking and appeared quite healthy and athletic our eyes made contact,. I said "Dude, I suspect you have a handicapped sticker but it's not yours right?"... Without hesitation this 17-18 year old said "you know what, it's my dad's and he's not here so I really should not be parked here, I'll move ma'am"..... and he got into the car and moved it! Wow. Whoever you are, in that fleeting moment you thought you'd take advantage and you didn't and weren't rude or ignorant and took responsibility for your actions when confronted. Your parents should be so proud of you and I am too. I would trade my child's disability for your abilities and park as far away in the smallest car and smallest parking spot ever ! if I could. I never ever park in a handicapped spot unless he is with me. This system of handicapped stickers is being abused and there are so many unnecessarily using it, and it's just not fair to those of us who need the space. I hope those of you who are reading this and guilty of doing this, perhaps you could learn from this teenager and appreciate your ability and enjoy it because it would be an absolute dream for my son to be able to walk and it will never happen - I really don't want to park there, I have too. Just appreciate your legs and health and show some compassion for those not so lucky in life!