Raves, Rants & Roses

REPLY: To those of you who do not have handicapped parking sticker or license plates: “stay out of our parking places.” You know who you are and I’m talking to you.

Yes, I would gladly trade my arthritic body for a pain-free body any day. I’ve heard your comments as I park my Mustang GT in those handicapped spots. It’s an automatic transmission, by the way. And, yes, a handicapped person can drive a car like that.

Maybe you didn’t notice, while you were judging me, that my left leg is one inch shorter than my right leg because my knee is completely broken down.

Did you notice I have a blue sticker which is a permanent one?

My disease will continue to progress. I have battled Lupus, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and the list goes on. I’m 52 years old and happy that I don’t need a wheelchair, yet. People like you have actually approached me and asked me why I have a handicapped sticker. I consider it a compliment when people ask me this question because I look pretty healthy. I don’t have the time to explain my physical problems to these inconsiderate folks so I just limp away from them.

Also, the criteria for getting a handicapped sticker does not state you must be in a wheelchair, etc. It states you have limitations that restrict your mobility. This can be any number of diseases from recent surgery to terminal cancer. So, would you folks please stop questioning the judgment of our doctors and simply live with the fact that many of us can’t get around like the rest of you do? Our compensation prize is that we get to park closer to the store. Big deal.

Personally, I wish that I could jog or golf or play tennis. I’d like to have my life back but that isn’t in the cards so I’ll make the best of what I’ve got and be thankful for every day that I can still walk.

Diane Hammett
Tyler