Sunday, December 23, 2007

Dear Shoppers -

You may not be aware of this, but that roll of wrapping paper? Is right at neck level for individuals in wheelchairs. Who may also be trying to shop. And who would rather not be poked in the back of the neck with your purchases.

It would really help me out a lot if you took the time to notice that, um... hey, you have a big, long tube sticking out of your cart.

Like a lance.

That is aimed at my face.

And I would prefer it not to make contact with that face.

Again.


I realize it is just wrapping paper, but you are not leisurely strolling through the store, setting a snail's pace so that the roll barely grazes me. No, you are intent. You are on a mission to possess something that the store is probably already out of anyways, and you must get to where it is hiding, RIGHT NOW. And so, the force with which your festive cardboard bayonet pierces me is surprisingly strong.

And yes, I am taking into consideration that I have a very low pain tolerance level, but I also submit that anyone would be, at the very least, uncomfortable with all these dangerous weapons encroaching on them.


Also? Should your wrapping paper lance make contact with my body, the appropriate thing to do is not to glare at me as if I have somehow floated in, invisibly, in order to spear myself on your roll of wrapping paper. Surprised? Indeed, the correct response might be to ask if I am all right, or to apologize for ramming an object from your cart into my head. Just a suggestion.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I know I shouldn't laugh, but your description is TOO FUNNY. Now, having said that, I hope you remembered to say Merry Christmas after you beat them to death with their wrapping paper.

Arizaphale said...

Good grief people can be thoughtless!!

Maya's Granny said...

Of course she glared at you. How else could she pretend it was your fault?

You write about it with humor and grace, but I'm sure it was anything but funny at the time.

Anonymous said...

Ooow! Hope you survived the shopping. It's a jungle out there.

Wishing you peace and goodwill over the festive season and a wonderful 2008.

Laurie said...

Ugh, the downside of the holiday season is dealing with Grinches who lack awareness that they are not the only people with things to do and purchases to buy! Very funny description, though.

Have a wonderful, peaceful Christmas, NTE. You deserve it.

Maya's Granny said...

I am awarding you a Roar for Powerful Words.

"And, finally I am adding a sixth roar, because I can't not. Never That Easy, a young woman who has been wheel chair bound for a long time now and writes with grace, humor, and truth about her experience with a "condition" for which there seems to be no cure and little alleviation of the constant pain."

Come visit for more information.

Naomi J. said...

Heh. I can relate to getting bashed by thoughtless shoppers while out in a wheelchair. Hope you had a good Christmas and New Year!

Never That Easy said...

Thanks everybody, I'm glad you laughed: if I didn't laugh I certainly would have gone crazy by now. :D

And an award! How wonderful - I'm on my way over there to check it out right now.

Peace and health to everybody, this year. That's all I'm wishing for all of you!