MS Isn't a Thing Anymore

While shopping at my local discount store, I needed a motorized cart to get around in the store. I don't often use one, but on this day my muscle spasticity was at an all-time high and I needed to get pet food for my dogs. Struggling to walk from my car to the cart area, I was so grateful to find one available for use.

I saw you walk, you don't need it

As I started unplugging the cart and placing my purse in the cart, I heard a lady behind me say "that's mine, I need it". Looking at her, I gently said "I'm sorry, but I am also in need of it." Raising her voice and creating a scene, she said "I saw you walk up here, so you apparently don't need it. I however am pregnant and need it." You could not tell she was pregnant, nor appeared to have any issues running (not walking) to try to get the cart. Again, I explained there may be motorized carts at the other entrance that she could run to and get.

People forget that MS is a lifelong condition

At that point she became quite ridiculous, screaming that I was not accommodating her needs and I had no reason to use the cart. The manager came out and tried to diffuse the situation, he asked her what the problem was. Of which she exclaimed I had no reason to need the cart. At that point, he asked me about my concern and needing the cart. I don't tell people my business, and it certainly isn't hers; but I did tell him I had MS and walking issues. Of which she overheard, and exclaimed quite loudly "MS isn't a thing anymore! We stopped fundraising for it when I was in school." My only thought was "SERIOUSLY". It seems like the young adult generation does not understand this is a lifelong, incurable disease.

It worked out but still

Needless to say, the manager agreed with me, telling the young woman that since I was at the cart first and did in fact have a disabling condition, it was mine to use. Unfortunately, there were no other carts she could use. She may have in fact needed one, too. Perhaps she had a high-risk pregnancy, who knows? Truth be told, I would have given up the cart to her had she not been so rude.

Has anyone encountered someone who simply didn't think you had a reason to park in a disabled spot or use a motorized cart?

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