I was in the post office parking lot....facing in and a U Haul rental pick up backed in right next to me...close! I backed out quickly so his driver's side door wouldn't hit my car. I gave the guy a dirty look and swore under my breath. The parking lot had two other cars in it and about 20 spaces were available.

As I pulled away, I realized this guy was a very elderly gentleman and walked with a stoop greater than I'd ever seen. He still might be an asshole, but I realized then and there, that I need to be more patient and try to consider all situations.

I'm blessed in my life and try to make good decisions. But my reaction to his parking next to me felt out of line after the fact.

I think these days it's important to slow down a bit, think carefully and be thankful for the things we have.

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
Slow down a bit, think carefully and be thankful for the things we have.

I'm with you on that. There's so much to be thankful for. No need to get lost in the weeds.

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:

... but I realized then and there, that I need to be more patient and try to consider all situations.


I'm blessed in my life and try to make good decisions. But my reaction to his parking next to me felt out of line after the fact.

I think these days it's important to slow down a bit, think carefully and be thankful for the things we have.

It is too easy to get bent out of shape in greater proportion than any transgression, real or imagined. The great thing is that you recognized it, caught yourself, and have now been reminded to slow down a bit. That, is what makes you a great man.


Over the past year, I have had 2 incidents where I acted inappropriately and regret my behavior. In both of my cases, the transgressions were legitimate, but my response was over the top and I am ashamed of myself. I am better than the way I behaved, and in one case I had to swallow my pride and apologize to my son.

I'll be the first to admit that patience is a challenge area for me. But, I am getting better.
Spending a lot of time with my dad as he progressed through Parkinson's gave me plenty of opportunities for improvement.
OP your point is well made.

It happens. A couple of years ago I saw a young guy -mid twenties- pull into a handicap parking space. He had a tag, but when he hopped out with ease and trotted into the store, I assumed he was gaming the system and called him an unpleasant and unsanitary orifice. While driving past the store front I noticed that same kid moving much slower helping grandpa shuffle across the crosswalk and to the car. Yeah, I felt like a heel.

When I got my first street bike in my 30's I had this problem where I would make angry gestures to those who didn't see/hear me. "They had put my life at risk. They must pay!", kind of thing.
(Side note: They say if you can make it through your first year of riding, you've done well.)

I soon accepted two things:
1)Even at my best skill level of trying to make my presence known, people are not going to see me, ignorant or not.
I resorted to a nice wave as the people were usually embarrassed and they would give a nice wave back.

2)My mother lived to drive into her 70's and I would have appreciated it if she made a mistake, that others might understand and giver her a "no problem" wave. We all have/had elderly parents. They deserve some respect.

quote:

Originally posted by darthfuster:
It happens. A couple of years ago I saw a young guy -mid twenties- pull into a handicap parking space. He had a tag, but when he hopped out with ease and trotted into the store, I assumed he was gaming the system and called him an unpleasant and unsanitary orifice. While driving past the store front I noticed that same kid moving much slower helping grandpa shuffle across the crosswalk and to the car. Yeah, I felt like a heel.

That's actually funny. That could be skit.

Whenever I help, I park at the curb, not the parking area. It's closer than the closest handicap spot.
ETA: As in, that's where I drop them off. Go park and run inside. Come back out and pick up at curb.

Respect your Elders, You may become old some day!

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
I think these days it's important to slow down a bit, think carefully and be thankful for the things we have.

Good words to live by and a good reminder. I've been in similar situations.

The idea is as you age, you gain wisdom, and wisdom means thinking a little deeper about things that used to be just a "given." We all know this process isn't automatic, but time spent on this forum helps.

I’m right there with you 6Guns..100%. I have such a short fuse on occasion. It’s definitely something I need to work on.

We all commit indiscretions. Realizing it and making an attempt not to repeat is one way we grow. Well done. The good lord knows I’ve made my share of mistakes.

I fully retired last September at age 60. I'm playing hockey, riding my motorcycle, and shooting whenever I want. Not a day goes by that I'm not profoundly grateful for what I have.

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
I think these days it's important to slow down a bit, think carefully and be thankful for the things we have.