This post is inspired by Amanda’s post, which is why it’s not protected.

I had mobility practice with Meghan, who by the way is the best PT I’ve had since having to enter therapy in the “adult world,” not only does she count things out but she makes sure to end things in a positive way. I did better than I thought, not to mention put on a good show for everyone in the gym (average age being 60+), which isn’t that hard anyway. Even though I did “really well” I noticed my endurance could use some work, probably surprising to anyone who has seen my upper body. So I thought it would be a good idea to take my Quickie GT around with me, rather than walking.

So my mom and I went to Target. Of course I was treated like I was 5. In public it’s pretty much standard that I get treated like a 5 year old, or I have the IQ of a 5 year old. Neither of which are even close to true, but I digress. It’s another topic for another day.

As my mom puts the bags in the car, I carefully position myself in the space to avoid the possibility of being in the way, it was a van accessible too so I had some extra room, and just to get it out there yes, I do have a handicapped permit so I was “entitled” to not only have the car in the space, but to be in the space, around the space, behind the space……..

I (myself) was within the lines of the space, so was the car and the Quickie.
Then my mom says “Sar, watch out.” Not loudly, but loud enough to make me turn and look. The car that had pulled out of the space in the next row was now less than 4 inches from the bumper of our CRV. Had I “parked” myself behind the CRV while my mom was loading it, as I had wanted to, I would’ve been flatted out by a car. Have I mentioned that “car” wasn’t even a car? It was a “mom tank” SUV!

Normally my first instinct when trying to protect myself from being trampled while sitting down is to wave my arms in the air, but as big as this SUV was it wouldn’t have made a difference. I thought of slamming my fist into the SUV’s bumper, just to make a point, but I would’ve broken my hand before the driver noticed. Doesn’t driver’s ed, and common sense tell you to look behind you before you pull out of a parking space? And if you know you’re behind a row of handicap spaces would it hurt to check the side mirrors to make sure you aren’t going to mow over someone in a wheelchair?

For the mom’s that may be reading this, please don’t leave your stroller directly behind your car, the same thing could have happened to your precious children.
For all the “able bodied” reading this, please check behind and around your car before pulling out of a parking space, for everyone’s sake. The world was made for people with disabilities, sure we get great parking, but that doesn’t do much good if we’re not alive to enjoy it. Also a lot of people with disabilities believe the world owes them something in return, for whatever reason, they act on this by knowing their rights to the letter and often have an attorney on full time retainer. Just save yourself the trouble, please.

I’m taking a page from Sandee: I’m thankful for friends like Rachel who constantly tell me I have a purpose and to keep going for what my heart desires. I’m thankful for people like Matt Roloff who prove success is possible.