This (temporary) disabled person parking placard came in the mail today. My doctor agreed that my back injury is severe enough to warrant it. However, it’s temporary because I am undertaking therapy almost every day and, year over year, making (unsteady) progress. I can walk in the park. I can go for an hour exercise class. Most of the time now, when I’m not flaring in pain, I look like I’m perfectly healthy with my walking. Of course, I don’t need the placard for those times.

Then, there are other times, when injury or over activity re-traumatizes the spinal nerves that I am floored, literally, and crawling on the ground like a wounded soldier. During those times, I don’t attempt to drive, but sometimes it hits me when I’m already out and about. So, now I can keep this placard in reserve.