I have to confess that I have kept my handicap sticker for too long. At first, I was even hesitant to own a handicap parking sticker, but now I would not live without it. It gives me so much convenience. There are handicap parking signs everywhere in San Francisco. Parking in San Francisco is notoriously difficult, but with my handicap parking sticker I can always find a spot. Eight months after getting it, I cannot remember what life was like without a handicapped parking sticker. I but it was a lot harder!
I definitely got a handicapped parking sticker for a legitimate reason. You see, I broke my leg. It wasn't just a garden-variety break, either. I got in a bad accident and broke it in three places. I had a full leg cast that went from top to bottom. It was very hard to walk on crutches. For the first several months, I actually needed to use a wheelchair. I got a special device that allowed me to drive, but the handicap parking sticker was definitely essential. Living in San Francisco especially, it was hard to get around with my temporary handicap. I tried not to drive in general, but I had to to go to work. The handicap parking sticker insured that I always found a spot close enough so that I could wheel in on time.
About six months later, however, I was out of the cast. At first it was hard to walk. I could still justify using the handicap parking sticker. After all, my leg was weak and the muscles were atrophied. You see, I had not been walking with it for several months, and I needed to regain my strength. The handicap parking sticker meant that I did not have to walk several blocks to get to my destination. I could usually find a spot right in front.
Gradually, the strength returned to my leg, but still I kept using handicap parking stickers. I felt a little bad because there are people who have legitimate reasons for their handicapped parking stickers, while I no longer do. I hope that they can find spots. I hope I'm not taking spots that other people require. Ultimately though, I don't care that much. It is just too convenient to give up. I love my handicapped parking sticker. It makes life so much more convenient for me.
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