I was going for another blood test, my weekly routine (INR), to check if my blood coagulation was in an acceptable range because I take Coumadin, a blood thinner. (See http://stroketales.blogspot.com/2016_11_28_archive.html) The results got iffy for a while because I was slacking off, not always precisely counting the vitamin K that I get from foods like diabetics with their sugar. (Read INR tracker to see which foods are highest and lowest in vitamin K — http://inrtracker.com/nutrients)
I had two appointments that day–blood testing and the neurologist at 4. It was now about 2 o’clock. As soon as I entered the building for the first appointment, my friend Jody and I, ambling faster by my standards but still slow by normal standards, went straight for about 25 feet and then made a left to travel about 100 feet down a narrow hallway.
At the end of the hallway was Labcorp, an all-purpose center for testing of bodily fluids. Anybody who goes the distance is going to Labcorp because it’s the last door straight ahead.
As I got within 20 feet, I heard a noise behind me. I turned around, still walking forward which was stupid for risking a fall, and saw what I presumed was a mother and her teenaged daughter narrowing the distance. Then they were a foot behind me. I know because I smelled the strong odor of garlic on their breath. That smell made me hungry, reminding me I skipped lunch. But I digress.
Anyway, we were almost to the door–I’d say 3 feet–when the mother and daughter edged past us, walking sidewards to get to the door first.
“No,” I screamed when they were at the doorway, “we were here first. Let me go first.”
Without saying anything, the mother and teen entered Labcorp without holding the heavy door which slammed in front of me and signed in ahead of me. Jody opened the door and I was seething, but Jody gave me that look that says, “Calm down.” I didn’t care and went forward with the argument. Jody picked up a magazine, but I don’t think she was reading it.
“That was rude of you to go ahead of me. You see the cane so obviously I’m disabled,” I said, glaring when we were seated.
But the mother was on her cell phone, her eyes cast downward as if she wanted to concentrate on the call, and the teen returned my glare. I saw I was getting nowhere with these two.
I looked around for “No Cell Phones Allowed” signs, at times seen in medical offices, adding fuel to my argument, but there weren’t any. And of course, the mother and teen were taken ahead of me.
When we left and got in the car, Jody didn’t talk to me, so I imagine she was pissed off. That shouting incident was a week ago, and to remain friends, neither of us brought it up. I was punctual for the next appointment at the neurologist a half hour away, with 15 minutes to spare, but that’s not the point.
So I come to you, dear reader, to say: You know my side, but was I right to demand being first or was I wrong to expect that outcome? Use the comment section to speak your mind. Or write me an email. Either way. After writing for more than 40 years, I can take rejection.
Your comments were appreciated, Behind The Veil.
When stroked I was 50, after walking in these shoes for now 10 yrs, I guess you could call it walking,…I have learned to pick my battles very judiciously.Having people push ahead of me, that happens a lot when you limp with cane, your arm swinging like a metronome.BUT knowing people are basically given to aggression, and being jerks, I'm able to anticipate when one is in my "rear view mirror" heavy breathing, clearing throat, etc. If I get mad,react, I let them 'write on my page" steal my peace, it serves no purpose. What I like to do is 'kill' them with kindness. I turn and say " Would you like to pass me or get ahead of me?" The response are worth it, trust me. I get a real kick out of the instant sheepish faces. I've maintained my peacefulness,they have to acknowledge their behavior just by gently confronting them…. it is a win/win. And I've also found that a woman in my position, walking in forgiveness is damn handy!!Practice makes perfect.Like a muscle , use it often enough, and get easier.
Wendi, good for her. She'll stand up for herself and you. You must be proud!
Fully justified, my 11 yr old called a woman out who raced past me to get the last motorized cart at walmart mart
In would have approached the staff and clearly told them I was clearly ahead of the mother and child. Maybe even wrote my name on top of theirs.
I would not have been impressed either
An old guy looked me up and down from head to toe in the grocery store and I wanted to tell him he was not God's gift to women. Your experience encouraged me to expand my non-verbal approach to *****. I've found staring back at people who are staring at me makes them look away. Next time an old guy gives me stink eye I hope I remember to return his gesture. People in public are usually too pre-occupied to watch other people so I'll see if I can silently insult **** without drawing attention to myself. I am also amazed at how many able-bodied people let go of a door instead of holding it open for me.