It's something we've all probably done. You might have even done it today. But I hope you never do it again. Please do not park in a Handicapped designated spot if you have no right to be there. It's the law. And a permit-bearing, legitimately handicapped person right behind you is entitled to the space.

Maybe you just needed to run in for something quick at the store. The handicapped can't run. It was raining out today and you didn't want to get wet. Try wrestling a wheelchair, portable oxygen tank, and an umbrella across a pothole-riddled parking lot. Put yourself in a disabled person's shoes. Trust me, you wouldn't want to be there. Yet, you are the first one to take their spot.

Parking areas designate several spaces specifically for the convenience of their physically handicapped patrons. For the easily confused, they have been outlined in blue paint, posted with signs, and come with instructions. They read permit parking only, or handicapped permit required, it's very simple. The big blue wheelchair on the sign and painted in the space is a hint for those of us who can't read. Some of the signs even tell you how much of a fine you receive if you get caught. But don't let that be a deterrent. Just think the next time of how much you have inconvenienced someone so you wouldn't have to walk an extra 10 yards to be legally parked. Yes, I said walk. Or skip, or even run, because you can. My father can't. And your insensitivity created more grief in a man's life who hasn't got much of one left. Someday it might be you who needs that space, and you'll wonder why out of all those empty yellow lined spaces, somebody took your blue one.

Jennifer Garbowski