I really don't like to make excuses for myself as a pregnant woman. I mean, it's a God-designed, life-giving process that every mother on the planet went through at least once. BUT, there are some conveniences that I find just completely wonderful; it always makes me appreciate the retail store that provides it so much more ... It also makes me semi-resentful of the places that do not choose to provide this convenience. Today ... I really missed the "Stork Parking" at Meijer. Picture this:
It's pouring down rain ... a pregnant mother (say 38 weeks) carrying her squirming 18 month old toddler underneath an umbrella while juggling a diaper bag, keys, and phone. (Can't leave the phone anywhere when you're "about to pop"). There were no spots closer than 6 spaces out because they are all handicapped spots. You can park in the first space if you go to the perimeters of the lot, but then you're actually walking MORE than you are if you park 6-8 spots back. Nevermind said pregnant mother was running in for 1 item ... 1 item!! There's no 10 minute parking either ...
I'm not trying to say that the handicapped spots aren't necessary. I firmly believe they are. As an able bodied (though not really nimble right now) customer, I'd be glad to park behind the handicap spots and walk past those. BUT, as I tried to search for spots, I saw college students, teenagers, and non-pregnant women cut me off for the spots just past the handicap ones ... Again, I don't fault them as they had no idea what I was juggling simply by looking at my mom-van. But, really, would it be so difficult to add a few designated spaces for expectant mothers just past the handicap ones??? I know one customer who would make a point to frequent any retailer that did so ... :) ...
Anyway, after my ordeal (not only was it the long walk, juggling everything in the pouring rain - I had to re-dress my now "strip-teasing" toddler as she sat in her carseat. Again, at 38 weeks pregnant I can't stand in the van with her, in front of the seat, I can't stand outside, getting poured on, so I have to run around and sit opposite her in the backseat to re-dress her. I also had to clean up the bowl of Cheerios she dumped all over her lap (she got her barefoot stuck in the "spill-proof" bowl and upon removal showered herself in Cheerios), AND locate the umbrella and all necessary items needed to make it through a trip to the store), I decided that running in for just a roll of tape (so I could finish wrapping Mother's Day/Wedding/Graduation/Birthday gifts) was ludicrous. So, as a concession to both my sweet daughter (who could sense my frustration and kept grabbing my arm in a hug and saying, "I love Mommy") and my own mood, we stopped at the bakery and bought doughnuts. Yup, I spoiled her too ... Clearly, she doesn't mind :)
