In a world where judgment often eclipses understanding, I know women with MS are trapped in a silent battle. With each step, they face scrutiny and condemnation from a society that fails to see beyond their appearances. This article explores the harsh reality of living with MS and the constant judgment they endure with every movement they make. It delves into the feelings of invisibility, the physical and emotional struggles, and the urgent need for empathy and compassion.
My story
Our winter RV park in Apache Junction, Arizona, hired a new manager. He was rude, thoughtless, and constantly harassed tenants he disliked. I was at the top of his list.
He didn't believe I had multiple sclerosis; he told others in the park that I was faking my limp or drunk. And he didn't believe Trooper was a registered service dog, even though I gave him a copy of the signed documents from the American Kennel Club verifying his certification. The manager even took the documents to the head trainer to determine if I forged her signature.
He followed me on his golf cart whenever I walked Trooper around the park. He would mutter "fake" or "drunk" when he drove by. I was embarrassed, angry and frustrated. I was desperate to find another RV park, but we had already paid the lot rent for four months.
I was very stressed and refused to walk Trooper in the park,
Paul and I found a lawyer specializing in disability cases.
The first time we sat across the table from the manager and his attorney, I knew we had hired the right lawyer. After only one meeting, the matter was resolved without going to court. It is unlawful to harass a disabled person. As a result, the manager had to sign an affidavit stating he would stop harassing me. He also had to write me a letter of apology. The park's owner fired him, but he could still live there.
From that day on, I rarely saw him. If we crossed paths, he turned his golf cart around and drove away.
WOO HOO!
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