old fogie parking

 

Before anyone worries, I was safely stopped when I took this picture:)

As a mom of four special kids, but two very super special needs, I struggle a lot with the things that go along with disabilities and handicaps. I like to avoid it basically. My kids are FINE! Just they don't walk or talk and have some health issues. Just minor little details

Over a year ago, our awesome doctor signed a form for a handicap permit. Let's just say, I was too proud to send it in. Then I lost it. And life carried on. This summer, I hurt myself.  I couldn't function 100% as their momma. I couldn't sleep because I hurt. I was exhausted and sore and still had two sweet 32 lb boys to carry around. And one 20 lb baby who wasn't yet crawling. It was hard. I started chiropractic care for myself and did six weeks of PT. I am stronger now and a lot better, and a smidge bit wiser. I got a stinking handicap permit. 

It took me a while to actually use the dang thing. I think I struggled so much was that it was more for me and my benefit than the boys. They don't care if I have to wheel them 10 feet to a door or 800 feet. 

So I was heading to a GI appointment at a somewhat busy medical office complex. I got there and the closest space was not so close. And that particular lot, the spaces are very narrow so its harder to load the boys into their stroller without banging the stroller into my van. And then I saw it. A space right by the door. With tons of room on either side. And no curb to jump with my stroller. I took a deep breath and pulled in. I got the stroller out and had room to load the boys without finagling them in some awkward contortion of myself. 

I used it again at the Milford Pumpkin Festival. A truck pulled up next to us with a little girl in a stroller. She looked like she had CP and she had a feeding tube. I smiled at the dad and said, my little boys has a feeding tube too. He smiled back at me with a familiar smile. 

Then the other day at Target. It was raining. And crowded. But those old fogie spots were all empty. I pulled in. I loaded the boys in a cart. We didn't get as wet as we normally do in the rain. Maybe that is a little bit to their health, huh? 

I guess this post doesn't have a huge point. I guess its hard to do something more for myself that says "I need help". But I kinda do. And I think I will take it by using that little blue Old Fogie Tag.

Oh I will be super happy when our ramp is done. I am so OVER hauling the boys up the stairs!