A woman on TikTok recently took to the platform to share her troubles when it comes to simply parking in a parking lot. She has a pass to park in the handicap spots, yet still gets tons of comments saying how she shouldn't park there.
After having enough of strangers' interference, she decided to make a video and vent. Well, that video went viral, creating lots of important discussions surrounding the topic.
She has a pass that allows her to park in the handicap spots in parking lots, and on this day had an interaction that left her feeling frustrated.
The video currently has seven million views, one million likes, and over 18,000 comments, creating tons of discussion.
"I don't have legs!" she exclaims, revealing to anyone who may not have been following her content that she's a double amputee. She goes on to say that that's what she told this woman who was staring at her, specifying that she shouldn't have to explain that to a stranger.
Upon explaining again that she's an amputee, the woman just drove off, clearly done with the conversation.
"This happens a lot. I was never bullied as a kid, and I didn't know that I was going to be bullied by adults because I park in handicap [spots]. And I get it, I'm young, I'm athletic, but I'm also missing legs! And I know I make it look easy, but it's still really hard. My legs are heavy, they hurt me, I'm in pain [...]."
"To all the handicap police out there, just be kind. You don't need to know why someone's parked in handicap [...]."
In the comments, she elaborates that this is far from an isolated experience and that she gets mean comments weekly. "I've had so many notes left on my car. I've had people call me names, knock on my car window and wait for me to get out just to say I can't park there."
A few people tried to justify the woman who spoke against Long, but ultimately agreed it was wrong.
"I think it's important to note that her heart was in the right place," wrote one user. "She wanted to ensure the spot would be available to those who need it."
"She was probably thinking she was doing the right thing, but we should all look for the sticker/pass thing first. If there is one there, say nothing," said another.
"I love it when that happens to me," wrote a fellow amputee who'd experienced the same issues before. "I wish I could throw my leg at them!"
Others were providing reminders that would have been good for the woman in this situation, but are also applicable to all of us. "It costs $0 to mind [your] own business."
As she described in an interview with Buzzfeed, "I have 13 Paralympic gold medals! I’ve been swimming since I was 10 years old. I’ve competed in four Paralympic Games and I’m the second most decorated U.S. Paralympian of all time."
Good for her for keeping a great attitude in the face of strangers trying to dictate her life, and best of luck to her future athletic endeavors!
h/t: Buzzfeed
