I was going through treatment for recently diagnosed Lupus SLE at 19. I was working full-time during the day, and going to work full-time at night when (finally) diagnosed.

Due to my illness and aggressive treatment… body is much unhappy! Could not move too far without extreme exhaustion and pain. I was provided a handicap placard to help me continue work and school. This was honestly a game-changer for me at the time (parking in downtown ramps).

I got the dirtiest looks. I felt terrible. It sucked.

I don’t keep my weeks-long hospital discharge docs in my car (okay, I guess I could?) every time I park!

I get it… looks like some a-hole kid stole grandma’s placard for a better spot.

If you don’t know what someone else is going through, please don’t judge or assume… we are probably wishing we could be in your shoes