Have a Seat?

I've had MS (Multiple Sclerosis) for nearly 20 years now, and I count myself quite lucky that my case is fairly stable and mild in the sense that most cannot tell that I have the disease unless I'm having a bad day. Health wise this year has been quite good for be, overall, but today everyone could tell that I have a physical handicap!

It started last night, the dysfunction in my legs, and this morning they were still quite sluggish. But since this was our weekend "off" from the travels of watching our daughter play college volleyball, we had things we wanted to do in Des Moines...sadly we must travel an hour for a wholesale club, Target, and a descent movie theater. But I digress.

A little shopping and a movie had my energy sapped by 2 pm; I had started out the day using the canes for a little extra support but by the afternoon they had become required. My hubby was kind enough to indulge my desire for Cheesecake Factory for a late lunch. The mall and the restaurant were both packed, and we didn't see the point in seeking out an alternate venue when we received our pager along with its 25 minute sentence.

So I'm barely walking by this time with two arm canes, leaning heavily on a pillar for support, and starting to show my pain level. I'd estimate that there was seating for at least 10, but not a single person offered me their seat in that 25 minutes. I suppose I'm more attuned to the needs of the disabled due to my own challenges, and I suspect that my family is as well, but Mike and I were both saddened by the lack of common courtesy.

When did society stop offering it's seat to someone on crutches or pregnant or elderly? I guarantee that no one, not even me, gives a second thought to their ability to stand or walk until it's lost or limited. And while I would not wish my physical limitations on anyone, I do wish for greater understanding and compassion. I could probably go on, but I don't want my point obscured by my pain, fatigue, and frustration.

I will just close with Philippians 2:4 "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also the interests of others."