Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Oh No, You Didn't!


The other day some friends, myself and hubby ate at our favorite dive Mexican restaurant. After finishing a yummy dinner we proceeded to leave single file out of the packed establishment. Our little line parade consisted of friend, me, friend and hubby. Friend in front of me had to stop to let people cross in front, in which made us all stop. All was clear and we started to move, but not me.I couldn't make my chair roll, I immediately looked back at my friend behind me thinking she was messing with me. All within a couple seconds realize a man sitting at the table that I'm passing is holding onto my wheel. I look at him like....do I know you? He smirks with a bit of a wink and I just stared. Like what the hell are you doing? He lets go. I shake my head and roll away. His friend proceeds to say (not knowing my husband is 2 people behind me)"your sense of humor obviously went over that young ladys head". Hubby puts a heavy hand on the guys shoulder, puts his face in his and says, "Oh she gets it, she just sick of dealing with dumb asses like you." Then walks off.
These particular friends were beside themselves because they have not encountered this with me before. I can honestly say that this type of thing is said or done to me at least once a day. It's not usually physical, but verbal. I equate this incident to me grabbing your belt loop or the back of your shirt and stopping you in your tracks. It's weird coming from a complete stranger. I am totally ok with people I know touching me, leaning on me, etc. I have personal space like anybody, it just covers a little more space.
These people who are grabbing, leaning, rolling me, saying "let's race", "you're to pretty to be in a chair," "what's wrong with you", "my mom was in a wheelchair for a year, I know what you're going through", "I'm tired of walking, you're lucky you don't have to walk." they think they are being funny or trying to break the ice. I know most of them are harmless and for some reason they are compelled to have to say something to the handicapped girl, because it will make themselves feel better. Not realizing that I have heard it 50 million times and I am just going about my everyday life just like the rest of us. Sometimes it's easy to smile and just keep going and let it roll off. (no pun intended, funny though) Other times, not so much!!!

8 comments:

Bob said...

Good for hubby. That guy is lucky he didn't get a knuckle sandwich along with hubby's comments, too. Were it me, it would have happened.

Ever think of carrying an air horn? You know, one of those little deals with an air filled canister? One blast in their face along with a frown on yours would drive a message home to these clowns.

Americans can be so very stupid and insensitive. Sorry that you continue to endure such bullshit.

Cala Gray said...

You're hubby is awesome for bridging that gap and that man was a complete ass.

I can't stand disrespectful people.

Unknown said...

thats sickening. I'm sorry you have to deal with such assholes.

Caryn F. said...

Grr, if you really want to say something and break the ice, what the hell is wrong with saying "I love your shirt, where'd you get it?"

GarryN said...

I totally agree. What an ass and his friends obviously thing he's the life of the party.

Cala Gray said...

Hey, no I have never done anything for Beautiful Agony, but I love that site. That is why I put up the banner.

I think it is awesome that you did Ishotmyself. You are so cool!:)

Jake lara said...

Sorry you had to endure that asshole but as to most people well meaning people who "break the ice" when really there is no ice to break, I think a movie or TV series about perhaps a part time chair user would see someone walking around sometimes and using a chair the when they needed too I think would educate people and help them empathize as well.

Kevin Lomax said...

Unfortunately there are always assholes on the planet: screw those f*ckers!