The scooter battles
I never really gave those motorized store scooters a second glance - that is, until I needed to use one.
Although I've got some new found freedom, I really can't get too far.
For example, if I was to try to walk from the front of the Target to the back wall, you'd find me about halfway there a half an hour or so after I started, begging for a medic.
But I still had to get groceries and such, which means I had to use the scooter.
Now, most people, including me, expect to see older folks enjoying the convenience of a store scooter.
They do not expect to see a healthy (and I do mean HEALTHY), 30-some year-old riding around in one.
Also, since the brace that supports my ankle is a fashionable black (it goes with everything!), its hard to tell why exactly that I was on one of those things.
Did I mention the scooters go as slow as I can walk right now?
I've received more than a few looks of scorn from folks who think I'm using the scooter just to cruise through the store because I'm lazy.
Shopper: "Look at her. That big girl really needs to lose weight."
Another shopper: "Yes, it's bad when you're so big you have to use one of those to get around."
Shopper: "And you know she's stealing it from the elderly who really need to use it!"
I even had an older couple challenge me for one, saying, "But he (the older gentleman) REALLY needs it!"
Now, I didn't want to be disrespectful to my elders, but I was about ready to say something ugly.
So, it's nice to be out and about.
It sucks to have to ride one of these things to shop.
I'll be glad when I can do the whole shopping thing on my own.
But I'm weeks from that.
Sigh.
sharon · March 26, 2008 12:17 PM
You are right; If you are not five seconds from a stroke(or looking like you are)people are rude to you if you're on an in-store scooter. That is not right either. Many young adults suffer from the same disabilities as older folks,It is not always what you think. Sadly, no one who is being rude stops to think that maybe the rider wishes they were able to just walk around by themselves---without motorized help.
rachele · March 22, 2008 8:27 PM
Aww hang in there. You have come a long way. I must admit I do look twice at people who use those carts and I don't see an immediate disability. I will watch for that from now on. Thanks for giving me awareness!!!