Meredith emailed me that this has been a strange week and, indeed, it has.
My mom just got out of the ICU and was transferred to a care center for rehab, where she may be staying awhile. It's like take two: when we tried this last week at another care center, she fell again and wound up back in the hospital, complicating her recovery, and having to undergo more procedures on New Year's Eve.
Fortunately, I come from strong stock so her biggest concern today was that next time she wants me to bring her fresh fruit salad because they "serve that canned fruit".
I was absolutely delighted that this was what she had on her mind and relieved that, although she is still dealing with broken bones and a few other serious issues, she's in good spirits. Except about the lack of fresh fruit.
What my mom doesn't realize is that I almost didn't get inside to see her because the handicap spots were taken by cars without handicap placards or plates. What I did was park in two spots and drop an orange cone down in one to make sure no one blocked me in, but when I came out an irate driver chewed me out about that even though there were lots of empty regular spots. I rolled past him and got in the van and left without explaining that I had to do that in order to get in to see my mom since I didn't have the time to come back to check when the illegal parkers were done with the handicap spots. (You know how they all say they're just running inside? That's not true.)
Anyhow, that didn't seem like a good use of my time.
It all feels very much like I'm living in an alternate universe when these things happen, when people in parking lots scream at me for using two regular spots out of twenty empty ones with a handicap van with an eight foot ramp I have to deploy for a power chair, but no one is upset about the three limited handicap spots being taken up by those who park illegally.
8 comments:
When pressed for time a sufficiently pissed off when handicap parking is full I parallel park directly behind the parked cars. I leave my hazard lights on and place a little note on the illegally and now blocked cars windshield stating "I am in the building for just a minute running an errand". I don't do this often as I am afraid of getting shot by a stranger. I did not come up with this idea--a local cop suggested this because it was an effective way to prevent others from ever using handicap parking.
Bill - talk about 'turnabout is fair play'. How often I've heard that line: I'll just be a minute, when people park illegally in handicap spots!
I swear accessible parking will NEVER be understood by those it does not affect. Fortunately for us, as Patti's caregiver I physically bring more options to any such dilemma.
Specifically with her care facility, I for one, am always amazed that a care facility has LESS van accessible spaces than a casino. Go figure!
My personal pet peeve is when other driver's with accessibility placards park in the yellow striped lines adjacent to van accessible spaces. What are they thinking?
Caregivingly Yours,
Patrick
http://caregivinglyyours.blogspot.com/
Ooooh! I just got so mad reading your post (but I love Bill's suggestion). The human capacity to be completely clueless continues to amaze me on so many levels (only 3 accessible spaces??? what were they thinking in the first place?? especially in a care facility!).
I'd wager a big chunk of cash (if I had such a thing) that the illegal parkers are among the population who go into the largest stall in a public restroom if it is open when they walk in -- and that the irate driver is in the very similar population who looks at you like you're crazy for sitting there waiting when most of the stalls are available (but the one accessible one is in use -- I've even had an able-bodied adult shove me out of the way so she could get into the "big" stall before me). So many ways for people to be stupid.
Patrick,
Yeah I don't understand why people think the stripes are an "extra spot" but maybe we need to write in them NOT AN EXTRA SPOT :)
Melody,
As you and Patrick point out, three spaces is clearly not enough in a care center, especially with bringing people to and fro, not to mention that the seniors visiting seniors population is high, which points out that certain establishments need more than the usual number of handicap spots.
my mom is not permenatly disabled. She had knee surgery (total replacement) that for a time necesitated her using such spots and yes she has a placard.
I fussed at my sister when she told me that she was with some friends using Mom's car with the placard and used a "handicapped" spot just to run in. I was horrified. She brushed off my comment, but I know it had an impact. Even if it wasn't morally wrong (which it is) it is still illegal.
On another note, some major retailers have started "expectant mothers" spots. I have mixed feelings about that one.
Anonymous: Yeah I agree it's wrong, but it's somewhat common. I've heard many people say they used a family member's placard that was left in the car and then say they didn't understand the person had to be with them. I believe if there was better enforcement, this would happen less- as some people make a habit of leaving the placard up and parking in those spots even though *they* are able bodied. This, of course, is probably why some of us spend so much time driving around trying to find handicap spots...or have to leave places at times.
This is a comment in response to Anonymous' comment about expectant mother parking.
This trend started at places like Babies R Us and has now extended to places like Walmart.
When I was 7-9 months pregnant, I was having breathing problems and bad sciatica (I have a very short waist and George was pressed up against my lungs very uncomfortably). Those expectant mommy parking spots were a Godsend. Especially helpful when I was on crutches after a fall that sprained my foot while I was pregnant.
Being pregnant isn't a disability but many problems can result that make it difficult for a pregnant woman to walk...er, waddle...an entire parking lot.
I still am amused though, by the time I saw a tow truck at that same Walmart towing a Maserati (sp?) that the lazy owner had DOUBLE PARKED in two handicap spots. I bet the person who owned the car was pissed (although he deserved it).
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