I couldn't believe how agressive I got in my defense of her either. There's a side of me no one wants to see. Lord help the idiots if they show up again this October.
Good for you!
I think I will get a couple of those shirts and hand them out to the prize winners next time, that would make me very happy
I will happily pay for them!
I am so sorry your trip was less than magical and that the actions of others made you feel so awful. As others have said, there are more good people in the world than not.
My brother was born with spina bifida and not expected to live beyond age 10. Of course this was in the 60's when few with spina bifida survived beyond infancy. It was also a time when people with any sort of disability (noticeable or not) weren't seen much in public, because it was 'best for everybody if they didn't," or so we were told. Nonetheless, my parents raised my brother to be proud of who is and my siblings and I to make sure we looked out for him. He used to be able to walk with braces (the big ugly leather and steel kind) and crutches, which used to bring more stares and comments than you can imagine, but we were determined that he would have as much opportunity to do things as was reasonably possible given his limitations and he didn't (ever) hide in the house.
He has been confined to a wheelchair since his early teens and although things/situations/people can be difficult for him, today, at 46, it is a far better world than when he was younger. As more and more people, with and without disabilities believe, and rightfully so, that the disabled are entitled to the same things that those with non disabilities are, and insist on having those same rights and freedoms, then things will continue to improve and accessibility options become more common place.
As for the jerk with the coffee, unfortunately, I can not write what my thoughts are around him because this is a family board
, but having intervened more than once on my brothers behalf when someone thought he was slowing them down, if it's within earshot of my brother, I just smile and as graciously as possible look the offender in the eye and let them know how much I appreciate their patience because sometimes people need a little assistance. If somebody is really getting out of hand or if it's out of earshot, I typically remind that person how fortunate they are that they and their family got up healthy that day and IF they or a family member had a disability then they would understand how much courage and strength it can take just to do the everyday little things that healthy people take for granted each day. Life is tough enough without a disability, and I ask them if they can ever imagine what it must be like with one. I never yell, I never lose my cool, but I most certainly convey my point, hold my ground and will defend my brothers (or anyone else's) right to take an extra two minutes to get on a bus, a ride, or whatever.
People who engage in passive aggressive or sometimes just plain aggressive behavior toward the disabled ought to be forced to spend "a day in the life. "
I'm sure it would change not only their perspective but their willingness to assist others as well.
Don't let the jerks in this world get you down. Keep doing what you do and don't let anyone rain on your parade.
It's not like I don't know how to judge distance & speed. I have only used the scooter that one time, but will have to from now on, and I'm not looking forward to it.
I'm so sorry you had to endure that, it's almost unthinkable how some people can be 
