What the...I told the passenger's side rear view mirror of my car when I saw what it showed.
I'd just found the only legal parking place on Moorpark near Van Nuys in Sherman Oaks. All I had to do was parallel park fast and maybe I'd make my meeting on time.
Car all lined up, in reverse and ready to roll, I glanced at that rear view mirror and saw a man in a wheelchair with his back to me, rolling leisurely into my parking space. When he stopped, he turned his chair a bit and I could see his profile.
He had straight, messed up gray hair like a 60-year-old Dennis the Menace. He wore a dusty, faded army jacket. He had no legs.
He looked briefly in my direction, then turned away. I waited with my turn signal on, but he didn't budge.
I put the car in park, got out and, managing to be somewhat courteous, said, "Excuse me. Sorry to ask you to do this, but I've got to get to a meeting and there's no other legal space around. I don't want to hurt you, so I'd appreciate your moving back."
I got in my car. Nothing. I switched into reverse. When he saw I was serious, he grumbled something I was probably better off not hearing, but he finally steered slowly into the red zone behind the space.
I parked and got out and we looked at each other. His eyes were glazed-over blue and he stared through me. His face was simultaneously wrinkled and blank.
"Don't forget to feed the meter," he taunted. Surprised, I heard myself reply in that same tone, "Thanks."
Walking away, my first reaction was amazement at how present and lucid he was despite his appearance. Then I felt ashamed.
The guy was unpleasant but not threatening, and he was obviously in bad shape. I hadn't been mean, but I hadn't been especially gracious either. Then I went to my meeting and stopped thinking about him.
An hour and a half or so later, I returned to find him still there. Somehow he'd maneuvered his wheelchair up the curb to the sidewalk right above my car. "Hi," I called as neutrally as possible, and he replied "Hi," civilly.
I unlocked the driver's door, then felt compelled to say, "I don't want to insult you, but could you use some money?" He stared at me without expression. I opened the door, and heard him say, "Okay."
I pulled out a few dollars, walked over and gave them to him, walked back, opened my door again and looked at him. He said, "It's just so hard..." and I nodded. He continued, "to move."
It took a second to absorb that. I said, "I understand," as if I possibly could. Not knowing what else to do or say, I kind of smiled, got in my car and drove away.
I've never seen him again, though I've spent the past five years parking my car and walking that same block.
If we did see each other he probably wouldn't remember me. Anyway, all I could offer would be to help get him VA services, probably a long shot these days. Maybe he wouldn't even want my help.
But I remember him-- every time a street person asks for money (I always give), when a man holds up a cardboard sign reading something like "Viet Nam vet. Will work for food," when news stories cover veterans returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, struggling to cope with crippling injuries and PTSD.
I remember him when I see soldiers honored, especially on Veterans Day. Wish I could do more. Wish he knew.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.