The "Release from the Stress" Story

It was an ordinary day. Just getting back from the Urologist's office. Still in the recovery stage from back surgery and I needed to pick up a prescription at Walmart. Still not allowed to drive so Carol is my chauffeur this morning. "Just stop and I'll sit in the car and wait for you while you run in and get my prescription," I told her. Parking lot was full for a weekday morning and only a few handicapped spots left near the main door. I grabbed the handicapped placard from the dash and put it on the rear view mirror. I got the placard over 5 years ago for my dad when he was having difficulties getting around. He died shortly after and I still have the placard. Never used it until two weeks ago when I had such pain in my right leg I could hardly get out of the car. Haven't used it since then. Today was a borderlinedecision on my part to use it again so my dear wife wouldn't have to walk too far to get mymeds. Have no intention of using it again and it expires in a month or so. Always thought people who parked in handicapped spots and got out of their car and ran in to a store should have their car stolen. So, today I remain in the car, not to make sure my car isn't stolen, but out of necessity. I was amazed at what happens in a large parking lot such as the one we parked in today. Shortly after Carol parked, put the windows down for me, and headed into the store, a car pulled in directly in front of me. Girl told the guy in the passenger's seat to watch the kid in the back and she hustled into the store. The guy, in his 30s, got out, put a cigar in his mouth, lit it, made a call on his cell and placed the phone on the roof of his car. Had it on "speakerphone" mode I found out. He proceeded to tell this woman on the other end where he was and that he had to get home and take the engine out of the old car he had in the garage. "You know, the one that I bought to re-sell but beat it to death and now have to replace the engine." He told her he would have to get help to put the new one in, but that wouldn't be for a couple of days. After another call I shared with him he got back in, his driver arrived and they left. In that spot pulled a red SUV. My dentist appeared from behind the wheel. "Hi Doc," I yelled to him as he got out. He waved, but I don't think he recognized me. Shortly he returned with a few fans and put them in the back. I stuck my head out the window and asked him if he had water in his basement. Then he knew who I was and stopped to talk for a short time. The space remained open, but a young pregnant girl came fromWalmart and jumped into a Jeep next to the open space. Sat there for a few minutes then stuck her head out the window and started to apply makeup using her outside rear viewmirror. To my right was another car with a handicapped sign and a gentleman now arrived to get back in his Lincoln. Had to be at least 80 and close to 300 pounds. He really struggled to get in and after quite a bit of straining and spitting, finally closed the door. And ..... drove away. Here is someone that shouldn't be on the road I thought to myself. Geeze, where is my wife. Couldn't call her on my cell since it is in her pocketbook. Gave it to her when they took me back for my appointment this morning. Into the Lincoln space pulls a car that I didn't hear. No engine noise at all! Must be electric I thought. Lady in her late 70s or early 80s. She also deserved the placard! She opened the door, sat in her car for a short time thinking, swiveled her feet to the pavement, opened a tissue container and blew her nose. I guess she was ready now for shopping. Got out, closed the door and noticed I was watching her. "Hello!" I said to her. She returned the greeting and struggled into the store. Ah ha! Carol has returned, finally. Told me they had just received the prescription from the doctor and had to fill it while she waited. "That's OK. I had an entertaining 20 minutes," I told her. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - And a chance to actually sit in front of my computer and have some fun writing after a long and stressful week.