When I unintentionally bumped a man’s foot with my wheelchair wheel in the store, he began to rant and abuse me until the police showed up.
I’ve been unable to walk for a number of years. I used to believe that my normal life would stop when I lost the capacity to move on my own. It is difficult—both psychologically and physically. However, I’ve learned to manage. I came to terms with my predicament and made the decision to continue living as much as I could without solitary confinement.
Thank God, we live in a society that respects, assists, and creates conditions for a normal existence for individuals with disabilities. Sadly, though, it isn’t always the case everywhere. You occasionally come across people who use you as a means of expressing their rage.
I still vividly recall something that happened to me recently.
I went shopping at the local supermarket that day as usual. I strive to accomplish regular chores like shopping, going to the post office, and paying my bills on my own since I dislike relying on other people. I still feel like I have power over my life because of that.
I was attentively examining the merchandise as I rolled between the aisles. It was already half full in the basket on my lap. As I turned into a different aisle, I unintentionally ran my wheelchair’s wheel up into the foot of a man who was facing away from me.
“I apologize,” I said right away, pausing. “I didn’t see you at all.”
It appeared to be a typical scenario: you run into someone, say you’re sorry, and go on. Not this time, though. The man’s rage literally exploded as he whirled around forcefully.
When he yelled, “I don’t care about your apologies!” the folks on the other end of the aisle turned around. “Well, who’s going to cover my medical expenses? You hurt me!
He appeared to be waiting for an opportunity to snap, despite my repeated attempts to calmly explain that it was a mistake. He began to spew insults as his face contorted:
“People like you are the reason the world is ending! Weak, worthless garbage! You live at other people’s expense!
I was genuinely hurt by every comment, but I realized that there was no need in arguing. Employees of the business were drawn to his yelling, and someone had already contacted the police.
Two officers came down the aisle a few minutes later. They listened to us both, looked at each other, and then abruptly said:
“Please accompany me, sir.”
I was taken aback.
“What?” I inquired, my anger roiling within me. “So I’m the guilty party? simply because I ran into him by accident?
All I could do was follow them. We stepped out and made our way to the patrol car. I was bracing myself for humiliation, lengthy interrogation, and possibly a fine. On the way, though, I couldn’t help but ask:
“Be completely honest with me: why did you take me instead of him? The altercation was initiated by him.
The officer glanced at me, spoke softly, and said something that made me frightened.
“This guy is a dangerous criminal, sir. He has been convicted of assault and fighting on several occasions. Our knowledge indicates that he has served time and has a vindictive and short fuse. He might have returned to get revenge on you if we had abandoned you there. We determined it would be safer if he believed we had arrested you because we currently lack the legal justification to hold him. He won’t search for you then.
I became quiet. I felt a chill. Realizing I had stood just a meter away from a person capable of violence sent a cold shiver through me.
The officer added:
“Such incidents have occurred in the past. Despite doing his time, he doesn’t seem to have changed.
I haven’t taken any chances since that day. I ordered everything to be delivered and stopped visiting to stores. I always appreciated being able to take part in some aspects of everyday life, therefore it saddens me.
However, I now understand that even the most routine grocery shopping trip can result in an unexpected hazard.
