Vent-- If you aren't handicapped do not use the darn sticker

[KPeveler]

Name them.

Wow, I was not going to even respond until I saw this. Do you know know any invisible illnesses? Can you not name one?

Since I do not think people have listed any of my illnesses, I might as well name them, if only to increase awareness:

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome causing daily joint dislocations
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Retroflexed Odontoid with Pannus
Likely an occult tethered cord
As yet Un-diagnosed autoimmune arthritis

And this is just one person under age 25!!

Educate yourself about invisible illnesses before you call anyone out!

 

[Jennasis]

Oh, I'm not! I hear ya, my surgeon would freak too. I'm on disability for most of the summer while I heal and fuse and what not. I was speaking more about before this, with all that pain I was in, I did what I had to do (probably not wise, in retrospect)

I need a new career path.

ps - I'll be two weeks tomorrow. Please tell me it sucks less in time, lol, ouch.

It does I swear!! I finally started going back to the gym today. Only allowed to walk on the treadmill and do light resistance training. It's annoying since I was running 2.5 miles daily and weight training before the disc blew out...of course, that stuff may have caused the blow out!

 

[shortbun]

You are wrong.

yep.

 

[LivingtheWDWdream]

No, I'm not wrong. I was behind this woman at Lowes. I watched her grab those jugs out of her cart have the cashier scan them and put them back in. I left the store right after her and watched her load them into her car. There was nothing wrong with her, and even if there was she certainly didn't need to take that spot from someone else who needed it more. There was an elderly woman in a wheelchair with an oxygen tank in the store and an elderly man that had trouble walking, from what I witnessed they deserved that spot more then the jugs lady.



You'd be wrong.

Ok I'd like to have you tell that to my mother who has had 3 of her vertebra fused, needs to have 3 more fused and has a knee replacement but she is alone and at times has to buy groceries, so she will be seen lifting things in and out of the cart, and in and out of the car because either an employee isn't available to assist her to the car or she is too embarrassed to ask for help if no one is around. She uses a handicap placard because of how bad her back is and is in the market for a power wheelchair because walking is getting more difficult. I'm sure she'd appreciate the fact you would stand around and judge her instead of offering to help her after seeing she was parked in an accessible parking space.

Instead of judging the person, how about asking if they needed help carrying the water jugs? maybe they didn't have anyone to help them and had to get the jugs to the car somehow?

 

[mhsjax]

Those 5 gallon jugs weigh 42 pounds. I don't think anyone with a disability could lift those without a problem.

And how come so many of you are so sure she is wrong Maybe she isn't. She is accused of judging yet some of you are becoming way too defensive and telling her very matter of fact that she is wrong. Hum, really, I guess no one ever abused these stickers, Ever, I mean we are all so honest. Also, you seem to over look her concern for an elderly couple that she could see was in need of a handicapped parking space.

My hubby had one after he completely shattered his meniscus and had other tears in various ligaments and also a chipped bone. We used it for the time alloted. You could see that he was very much in need of this space. Now my mom, had severe heart problems, her Dr told her that she qualified for a sticker, but because she didn't drive, she didn't get one. There is no way she could have lifted those jugs. By the way, she looked very healthy. Up until the had her surgery and then passed away.

I truly believe that the OP is concerned for the people that really need the Handicapped space, even for the ones that you can't see their medical issues. And I happen to agree with her, if it is like she explained it. I don't believe that anyone with a disability could handle that much wight without a problem. And no one will ever make me believe other wise.

 

[ginna74]

I'm guessing though that when your dad could walk just fine, he probably wouldn't use a handicapped spot to be closer to the store?
Some of the grocery stores around here have expectant mother parking, but I never use it. I don't have any discomfort or issues that limit me physically when pregnant, but I know some women do, and I save those spots for people who might need them.
I'm not saying that we know for sure from what the OP said that this lady misused the parking space, but we don't know she didn't either. People do misuse them and it's sad. I have a relative who has a handicap that does not limit their ability to walk, and they always park in these spots. I feel like that's kind of wrong, just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Of course he would...He still had MS and just because he could walk doesn't mean he shouldn't park in a handicap spot. He had every right to park there. Just cause someone isn't in a wheel chair doesn't mean they shouldn't park in the spot. He has his license taken away now and I am glad for a minute there that he was able to do things on his own...He was also a parking space watcher ninja too.... and he would call the police if there was no handicap sign on the plate or card.

 

[MzDiz]

Those 5 gallon jugs weigh 42 pounds. I don't think anyone with a disability could lift those without a problem.

I have... wait, maybe I don't have enough of a disability for you. Is arthritis a disability? What about fibromyalgia?

My mother just had her knee replaced and has severe arthritis and she could lift those jugs if she had to. Sometimes she walks with a cane, sometimes she doesn't, sometimes she can barely walk at all.

What is with people thinking they know what every individual with a disability can or can't do?

 

[Mermaid02]

Respectfully, no. The entire purpose of a handicap plate or placard is to get the person to whom it was issued out of the flow of traffic as quickly and safely as possible. Period. If that person is not getting in or out of the car, the car may not be parked in a handicap parking space.

So if Granny goes in the store with Junior- but she goes back to the car because she's tired, she must MOVE her car when she goes back to the parking lot. I don't think so. I'll ask my cop friend though.

Those 5 gallon jugs weigh 42 pounds. I don't think anyone with a disability could lift those without a problem.

And how come so many of you are so sure she is wrong Maybe she isn't. She is accused of judging yet some of you are becoming way too defensive and telling her very matter of fact that she is wrong. Hum, really, I guess no one ever abused these stickers, Ever, I mean we are all so honest. Also, you seem to over look her concern for an elderly couple that she could see was in need of a handicapped parking space.

My hubby had one after he completely shattered his meniscus and had other tears in various ligaments and also a chipped bone. We used it for the time alloted. You could see that he was very much in need of this space. Now my mom, had severe heart problems, her Dr told her that she qualified for a sticker, but because she didn't drive, she didn't get one. There is no way she could have lifted those jugs. By the way, she looked very healthy. Up until the had her surgery and then passed away.

I truly believe that the OP is concerned for the people that really need the Handicapped space, even for the ones that you can't see their medical issues. And I happen to agree with her, if it is like she explained it. I don't believe that anyone with a disability could handle that much wight without a problem. And no one will ever make me believe other wise.

Then you're wrong too. 42 pounds is a lot of weight, and I have never lifted one of those jugs, but I did lift my child until he weighed about 50 pounds.

 

[bgirldeb]

There is no way this thread will end well.

Thank goodness for the unsubscribe function. I've had enough of 'my disability is worse than your disability'

ETA: Have to go unsubscribe again- lol

 

[Mermaid02]

Thank goodness for the unsubscribe function. I've had enough of 'my disability is worse than your disability'

ETA: Have to go unsubscribe again- lol

I didn't know that was the game we were playing- I thought it was "You dont' have a disability unless the OP says you do" game!

 

[ForAandA]

And with any of those, you really think that the person the OP was talking about could lift those water bottles. I don't think so.

I am sorry about your hubby. But just because he is legitimately has these doesn't mean that everyone with a handicapped sticker does. I think you are taking the personally. i am sure that the OP, like the rest of us, just wants to make sure that people who really need that spot can get it. So no need to feel sorry for her at all.

Hi

Stubborn DH does lift heavy things at times. Especially if their is no one around to help. Maybe this was the case with this woman. We will never know.

Thank you for the kind words. I did take this post personally, and have since apologized for my outburst. Sadly, some people do abuse the system. Heck, they try and abuse at Disney as well! I still feel bad for her though (OP). I guess that you can say that their was a more tactful way to put her discussion.

Thanks, again!

 

[sunnyday123]

You have no idea who that lady was shopping for. Maybe her hubby is handicapped. It really not fair of you to judge this women. Since you don't know the whole story

But her hubby wasn't in the store lifting the jugs. I normally shake my head and move along on these threads, because they do get ugly. However, I had a friend go to some races in N.C. and came to work last week bragging that they used her Dad's sticker to get close spots. Her brother limped and everything.

I don't understand why she needed a sticker either.

 

[mhsjax]

I have... wait, maybe I don't have enough of a disability for you. Is arthritis a disability? What about fibromyalgia?

My mother just had her knee replaced and has severe arthritis and she could lift those jugs if she had to. Sometimes she walks with a cane, sometimes she doesn't, sometimes she can barely walk at all.

What is with people thinking they know what every individual with a disability can or can't do?

Wow, major attitude. I never said you didn't have enough of a disability. 'And I said "I don't think". I never said I know. Get over it.

I know I have no back or knee problems, and for me to lift a bag of salt for my pool is exhausting, so I guess in my mind I am thinking a 42 pound bottle would be extremely difficult with a disability. But seriously lee, you need to get over the attitude.

 

[kaytieeldr]

So if Granny goes in the store with Junior- but she goes back to the car because she's tired, she must MOVE her car when she goes back to the parking lot. I don't think so. I'll ask my cop friend though.

Technically, yes. By the way, a neighbor (who tends to get things confused, or exaggerate) recently told me a State Police Officer was 'busted', i.e. ticketed, for unauthorized parking in a handicap parking space here.

===

Once again, because people seem to be not quite understanding - the entire purpose of a disabled parking space is to get the eligible person out of the flow of traffic as quickly and safely as possible. Period. It's not for the convenience of the person, it's not to alleviate any actual or potential pain, it's not to make things easier or faster for the person to whom the plate or placard was issued. It's solely to get/keep that person out of the flow of vehicular traffic with the greatest efficiency.

 

[mhsjax]

Hi

Stubborn DH does lift heavy things at times. Especially if their is no one around to help. Maybe this was the case with this woman. We will never know.

Thank you for the kind words. I did take this post personally, and have since apologized for my outburst. Sadly, some people do abuse the system. Heck, they try and abuse at Disney as well! I still feel bad for her though (OP). I guess that you can say that their was a more tactful way to put her discussion.

Thanks, again!

I understand about the stubborn hubby thing. My hubby's dr said he has the knees of a 86 year old man. He is only 45. but that soccer is a killer.

Yes there probably was a more tactful way for her to put it. We truly don't know, but we all have seen the abuse and it is unfair for those who truly need it.

I am sure that people would have said the same thing about my hubby, when just after major knee surg(unexpected) and we have our trip to Disney paid for, but anyway, I am sure that when people saw him, 44 years old and it really pretty darn good shape, using a scooter, that he was probably faking it. But the difference between me and some other posters, is that I do understand where this thought process is coming from and I don't let it bother me.

I am simply basing my opinion on what the OP has stated, that the woman didn't seem to have any problem lifting them to check out and then lifting them into her car. You can tell if a person is having a hard time lifting something or not. IMHO

 

[mhsjax]

So if Granny goes in the store with Junior- but she goes back to the car because she's tired, she must MOVE her car when she goes back to the parking lot. I don't think so. I'll ask my cop friend though.



Then you're wrong too. 42 pounds is a lot of weight, and I have never lifted one of those jugs, but I did lift my child until he weighed about 50 pounds.

Well I guess if you say it then it must be I am wrong. Silly me. I lguess everyone on here is superwoman. Oh and by the way, I can left my kid to, they aren't dead weight like water is, There is a BIG difference in the way it feels to lift something like that. Also did you lift your 50 pound non dead weight child into something? Just asking. Maybe you did.

 

[mhsjax]

Everyone on here is so up in arms trying to prove that they are disabled. I have no reason to doubt anything anyone says here. I am strictly basing my thoughts on what the op said, and I happen to know that there is abuse out there. Seems to me that people here are WAY too sensitive.

 

[luvmy3]

Glad you like it. You don't understand irony either.

maybe you should go back and re-read what I have said here. I have admitted I was judging her, and I have admitted I could be wrong.

The woman could have had any of the conditions I put in red. The OP was venting, about something she knew nothing about. People called her out on it. What's the problem?

Called me out on an opinion, and then proceeded to bash and attack. Yeah okay who is one in the wrong here? Whats that saying, those who live in glass houses.....................

I want to apologize to everyone. I am mostly a lurker on these boards, and here I go with multiple posts slamming the OP. That makes me just as bad, and I am truly sorry.

It just hits a really sore spot. After PT, DH feels as though he can do anything for a day or two. Then, he is back in bed, hurting more .

I know that some people abuse the stickers. To be honest, we don't even have one (he refuses). I just don't get how people can judge!

I can form an opinion on what I saw this woman do, why that seems to mean I think all handicapped people are faking ordon't need space I have no idea.

Poland Spring Olympics . You made me laugh.

ITA with you. The OP's heart is in the right place. I am usually one of the first people to tell someone off when they complain about people in wheelchairs or ECVs at Disney parks or with tiny therapy rat-dogs. If I had witnessed the same thing described by the OP it would have given me pause and yes, I would have come to the same conclusion.

Unlike the OP, I know better to not vent about it on the DIS . Oh, and before someone tries to tell me I should fall on my knees because I don't need a placard ... no can do. I was just diagnosed with arthritis in my right knee.

You know, I do know better however I was just very irked by what appeared to be a woman with no physical problem or a need for that spot. Funny if it turned out she wasn't really handicapped and I told someone and she got a ticket, I'd be praised and thanked for my judgement. People around here never cease to amaze me, so really i'm not surprised by these responses.

Its none of your business. The Americans with Disabilities Act prevents people like you from discriminating against the disabled because you, in all your medical wisdom, deem them to be healthy.

I wasn't aware I was discriminating

Wow, I was not going to even respond until I saw this. Do you know know any invisible illnesses? Can you not name one?

Since I do not think people have listed any of my illnesses, I might as well name them, if only to increase awareness:

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome causing daily joint dislocations
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Retroflexed Odontoid with Pannus
Likely an occult tethered cord
As yet Un-diagnosed autoimmune arthritis

And this is just one person under age 25!!

Educate yourself about invisible illnesses before you call anyone out!

Um, thats why I asked. I would like to hear some illnesses or handicaps that wouldn't make it darn nearimpossible to lift 2 40lb jugs of water 3 times in the span of 10 minutes.

I didn't know that was the game we were playing- I thought it was "You dont' have a disability unless the OP says you do" game!

Well I could guess one I think you have but it would probably get me banned

Everyone on here is so up in arms trying to prove that they are disabled. I have no reason to doubt anything anyone says here. I am strictly basing my thoughts on what the op said, and I happen to know that there is abuse out there. Seems to me that people here are WAY too sensitive.

I agree, like I said before if this woman was illegaly using the sticker I would be thanked for my judgement. I saw something formed an opinion about it and vented about. Could I have been wrong in my judgement, yes I sure could have, but see I can admit that, can't say the same for alot of the posters her though. I guess that makes them just as bad as they claim I am

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

My mom has terrible RA in her knees and would fit the description of the person in question. She has trouble walking into stores and uses the cart for stabilization. She can lift a lot because she's an incredibly strong woman and she's only 53 so she's not "old" so it really wouldn't appear to be of handicap placard need but she could really use one.

She doesn't have one though and refuses to do it because of what people, people like OP, who have poor and judgmental attitudes.

ETA: We went to Ikea yesterday and she was in pain all night, she had a really hard time sleeping.

 

[ksjayhawks]

Sorry, I have not read the whole thread yet.

I have a handicap tag and if you looked at me you would think I don't need it. I can also lift items in and out of a cart, take the cart to the car and load it. So, by the OPs definition I would not need the spot.

However, I have very bad knees (close to a knee replacement)--walking any significant distances, especially on paving, is very hard on them. I will suffer for hours afterwards. I occasionally have stability issues as well.

So, until you know without a doubt that a person is not handicapped, please do not make judgments on whether or not a person needs the spot.