Raves, Rants & Roses

RESPONSE: I read a letter from Lena Benedict responding to a Rant from a man whose friend got a ticket for parking in a handicap parking space.

I understand he was only going to be there for a short time, but he did not park there legally. These designated parking spaces are not there for everyone's use. The word "Handicap" should be a clue. Those who are handicapped are in different stages of impairment.

My husband, Mike, has a handicap placard and uses it when he needs it. When he feels good, he leaves those places for someone who needs it worse than he does.

He has Multiple Myeloma (bone marrow cancer). It is in his lower back and spine. To look at him outwardly, you would naturally think there was nothing wrong with him. You don't have to use a walker or wheelchair to use these parking spaces, but you do have to have some sort of handicap. "Every person who has to use one of these placards would gladly trade it in for good health," a quote from my husband.

For those of you out there who want the convenience of parking close to a store and choose to do so illegally, put yourself in the place of someone who does not have their health.

Would you want your parent, grandparent or perhaps the parent of a disabled child to park some distance from the front door because you were only going to be there for a short time?

Shirley Wheeler
Flint