Whatever people might say about me behind my back, I am very fortunate in that the people I meet in everyday life are generally very nice.
I was abruptly reminded today that there are other types of people. A workman parked his pick up truck on the pavement right in front of me, forcing me to walk into the road around it. I mean, it must be obvious to anybody that I am disabled and struggling. “Thank you for your consideration”, I said. “What’s the matter? You can walk, can’t you?”
Yes, I can walk. I learned to again last year during my month in hospital.
I must admit that I feel that the stroke played with my emotions a bit, but the positive side of these incidents is probably that they invoke the same kind of reaction that I’d have recognised in the “old me”. Grrrrrr.
Funnily enough, I was doing something yesterday and I happened to see the definition of a \”hate crime\”. Apparently saying something offensive to someone because they are disabled falls into that category. So, something I could easily allege. So if this kind of thing ever happens again…999. I wonder what kind of priority the police would attach to it? On the one hand, it seems something very trivial, just as an event in itself. But on the other hand, it's not very pleasant to live somewhere which is full of hate crimes. I'm sure their commissioner/chief constable would be aware of this.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Stroke Survivor and commented:
Yay, it is Friday again, and Fandango has just published his Friday Flashback post. The idea is that he picks a post from this day in a previous year, to give newer readers a better insight into what does and doesn’t make him tick.
I have always liked that idea, so shall also post my own reminiscence. As much as anything, it reminds me of where I was, where I am now, and how far I have come. Hopefully, you will find it entertaining along the way.
This one is from this day in 2017. I was a year on from the stroke, and still struggling to get around the place. Some of you might say that, even now!
The post really says it all, although I have to say my experience of people’s attitudes to disability has been 99% positive. At last, 99% not particularly negative. There’s actually an awful lot of discrimination around, but this is mostly due to ignorance and not malice. But every now and again there is one twat.
LikeLike
I can’t believe that people are as inconsiderate as that guy who made you walk around that truck. Never mind. I CAN believe it, actually.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yup, parked to be more convenient for them, not bothered about a pedestrian struggling to get past, actually that happens a lot. I kinda take a view now that if I can pass their vehicle, leaving it undamaged, then I will. Otherwise I won’t lose any sleep.
LikeLiked by 1 person