This is a story of why you should never park in the disabled parking spot unless you are qualified (have the tag) to park there, not even for 5 minutes. No, not even for 30 seconds.

Although I was conscientious enough to never park in a handicap spot, I also used to didn’t see a big problem with anyone parking there for just a few minutes, as long as they come back right away. Meaning: even though I wasn’t an active participant in the distasteful act, I also didn’t care that it was happening. That is, until I saw him one day in the parking lot…

He was a middle aged gentleman of about early 40s. It was clear that he was a fiercely independent spirit, because despite his obvious severe disability in his legs, he was determined to unfold his wheelchair onto the parking lot space by himself. He was alone, and he was struggling, but his unquenchable spirit shined through his sweat drenched brows.

“Sir, do you need help?” I offered.

“No no. I got it. Thank you!” He gratefully answered. He reminded me of my Dad.

And he wasn’t lying. He got it. And the reason he got it…was because the handicap parking spot provided him the space he needed to FULLY open wide his driver seat’s door, so he could painstakingly unfold his wheelchair on to the pavement.

As I admiringly observed this determined gentleman, it dawned on me: if some careless person had decided to park in this reserved spot for “just a few minutes,” there was no way this disabled man could have unfolded the wheelchair that provided him mobility and a sense of independence.

And that was the day I became an absolute stickler about parking in our correct designated spots. Because it may just be a few minutes for us, but it can cost someone else their entire day, or more.