You have to remember that the general public at large is NOT schooled in what the qualifications for getting that blue tag is. They just "ASSUME" that it means you need assistive devices to walk, or a wheelchair. There are many O2 patients or heart patients who cannot walk very far because of O2 requirements. Some folks need a walker, and some just a cane, but others have "proven" their need through diagnosis, and have met the state requirements to be allowed the proper tags to use that space.

The problem is that some folks abuse the tag. they "borrow" it from mom, or grandma, and use it to just not have to walk from 3 further spaces away. Christmas time is a huge issue as most malls have zero parking spots, and that empty spot upfront looks tempting. How many have seen that person zip into the handicap spot, flip out the tag, and almost jog into the store? Grab a couple of items, and zip out?

I admit I had some preconceived ideas about folks abusing the spots till someone handed ME a blue tag! WHAT?! I now view those spots and those parking in them with new eyes. I am not as quick to comment on things. I know I have horrible days where going in, I look ok, but I know that grocery store is going to whoop up on me, and by the time I get back with a carriage full, I am dragging, and near tears. I am so thankful I dont have to drag myself across the lot to the back side. Even with using the carriage as a walker, I am exhausted.

Great topic!

Oh, Marion, curse you for being human.

We could all moralize, preach, pontificate, and lecture about the right and wrong of it, but, the bottom line when it's all said and done at the end of the day as the water goes under the bridge is this:

This is not a sudden, new lifestyle for you, it was an isolated incident that gave you a chuckle and that chuckle has happily reverberated to those of us who appreciate the humor in it.

It's true that there are abusers of the privilege but there are abusers of every privilege in the world. Case in point: Driving itself.

Right or wrong, if we lose our senses of humor in this wretched disease, all is lost.

Kudos to you, Marion, for keeping the one thing MS can't strip from you, your sense of humor!!!