preferred parking

​Sharon and I ran a couple errands this afternoon.  I parked my car, and helped Sharon out of the backseat.  As we walked hand in had through the parking lot we passed a handicap parking space.  Sharon asked me why the spot was so much larger than all the other spaces.   I explained that many people with disabilities need to open their car door all the way to make it easier to get in and out of their car.  I couldn't help but ask her if she remembers me parking in spots just like that.  Her response was a simple, "No."

It wasn't that long ago that a handicap parking space was necessary for me.  I had to open my car door all the way to hoist myself out and walking more than a few steps to the store doors was unthinkable.  So, here I am today elated, not only that I am capable of returning items to West Marine and  Target by myself, but that it doesn't matter that the only parking spots on this Sunday afternoon are clear across the lot.  

I guess what I'm trying to say is we shouldn't complain that someone just stole the last close parking space.  Chances are that when you get older, you will need to use that handicap parking space and you'll look back and remember how good you had it when you had to walk a long distance in the cold rain.