DEAR ABBY: I am a person with a disability. Social Security, the state in which I live and my physician have classified me as handicapped, and I have a handicapped placard in my car.
Some of us who look "fine and healthy" have a hidden disability. Although I am only 39, look young for my age and appear healthy because I don't require a wheelchair or crutches, I suffer from chronic, intractable pain 24 hours a day. I am unable to walk long distances.
Abby, for the sake of all of us who do not appear to be disabled but are, please ask your readers not to use the few parking spaces reserved for the handicapped, and not to insult us or make rude comments because we "look healthy." -- JACKIE IN MASSACHUSETTS
DEAR JACKIE: Thank you for the reminder. Since most of us have no idea what challenges other people face every day, the able-bodied should refrain from parking in spaces reserved for those with disabilities, and give drivers with "hidden" disabilities the benefit of the doubt. Kindness and compassion should prevail.