I learned to drive a go-cart at a big Virginia grocery store this week!
What a joy to get off that bad foot! What freedom in zipping around the canned goods and toilet paper aisles!
Retail Therapy took on a whole new meaning
from the seat of what seemed like a toy golf cart.
Fortunately no one was hurt, but people simply do not realize the danger from Un-mechanical Dor on a go-cart.
- First, it is a bit difficult to steer and much too quick to stop, and to set it at a comfortable speed is an ongoing challenge.
- Have you ever seen a new driver learning the stick shift? Of course not. You are too young and only know automatic transmissions. But lurching is the trademark of most new drivers and I regret to say I am a true lurcher.
- The great fun though (even with all the lurching), is in acquiring a whole new perspective of the human race from the nether regions of a grocery aisle!
There it is – the ultimate learning experience –
a bottoms-up viewpoint of human nature!
- First I noticed some folks are actually embarrassed and uncomfortable looking down upon a poor motorized invalid. You can tell by the careful averting of eyes.
- I kept wanting to say, “Hey, it’s me. I’m just like you when I stand up. This is only temporary. Really!”
- And then I began to feel sorry for those who really are disabled. I will certainly pay more attention to being kind to go-cart motorists now. It is demeaning and lonely to be looked at as if you are invisible.
- Some folks look right at you but register annoyance. They will not budge from established positions, probably thinking, “You want in here? You will have to wait. So you are too lazy to walk huh?” These are Scrooge descendents! They should all take a ride in a grocery store go-cart to be converted into nice people (like me).
- Others looked down, focused eye to eye, smiled sympathetically, and graciously gave way. Some even offered to help with the reaching. I secretly believe they are the true Earth Angels and I plan to become just like them when I’m on my feet again!
In the end, I am an untrained motor scooter-er and did not realize there is a final parking procedure. Never receiving instructions I pulled straight in and limped out of the store.
But before that I watched a 98 year old fella (well, he looked 98 – he was driving a go-cart wasn’t he?) backing his cart in with great skill. Then he gave me the frowning evil eye. I was feeling so innocent and unjustifiably maligned but the truth was:
I should have backed my cart up to a wall too. Ha! Lurching forward was hard enough.
And then I should have plugged the thing in for recharging. Ha! Not easy for the electronically handicapped you know.
Obviously, I haven’t made Earth Angel grade yet.
Keep watching though!
I am learning the hard way…from the bottom up.
Virginia Views 