Disabled Parking Permits

loulou57 wrote:
Not looking to argue here, just having a discussion on difference of opinions..;)

The fella again with the knee...LOL! Now I don't know the man obviously but I am one to always look at both sides.

We seldom know how much pain etc someone is in or can deal with. Before my injury/illness I questioned in my mind about a person on disability with a bad back but I would see him push a lawnmower, carry his grandchildren and yes help do his roof. I thought to myself what a fake. :R

It all changed for me one day. I now wear 150mcg of Fentanyl just to be able to function due to pain. (look up the strength of it compared to morphine). Sometimes if I do something more than basically get up and spend 15 minutes doing something I will be bed bound for a few days or in hospital.
I won't drag this out but one of my goals was to do a 10 mile hike in Europe at a special spot. I did it, practically crawled the last mile, LOL but I did it. Took lots of meds to do it and I paid.
People see me out on good days, seldom a bad. My condition can change hourly. When I can I hike, sometimes with canes. I always use a cart shopping, not for stuff but for me to lean on for support. This is why you may see me need a parking spot one day but not another, :h the days I push myself I think there is someone who needs that spot today more than me.
Through all the therapy and treatments I have had I was encouraged to push myself. I do. I was put on 100% disability through workers compensation and our government disability. I work in my garden, 15 minutes to a half hour, then in to lay down. I camp, canoe, hike but no longer can I lift a grandchild.
The point is to look at me when you would see me, anyone would think there is nothing wrong. However, if you were on "my side" of me you would definitely know things are drastically wrong. :(
I just find it hard to believe that people would try to fake an illness, but better yet to be able to convince a DR they had something wrong just to be able to save a few steps.
Since that day 25 years ago, I no longer judge the man with the bad back who is carrying his grandchildren. I say...good for him for trying.
As I said, not trying to argue with you, just giving another
opinion :)o

Very well put. I am in basically the same position. I do things with my grandchildren - but I have to push myself to the limits, load up on pain meds, and I still pay.
The 10 yr old is able and willing to pick the bolos up off the ground for me. He knows if he wants me to play ladder golf or whatever it's called, he has to help.

My GK's are bigger - 10, 18, 20, & 23 so lifting them not an issue. I do have a Great-GK on the way. I'm figuring if I sit in a rocker, I will be able to have someone hand the baby to me, and I can at least rock it while it's small. :D

I never have a good day, but some are better than others. If there is a non-HC space close by, I save the HC for someone who may be worse than me. I too, have endured the looks, stares, comments, etc.

I try not to judge others. I would rather let someone slide that may be cheating the system, rather than make someone legitimately using the spot feel bad. Many disabilities are invisible.

I truly believe in Karma. What goes around comes around and eventually they get theirs. It may not always happen as fast as you would like to see, but sometimes you are lucky enough to be around to see it play out.