I certainly didn’t mean any offense. A bit of background info: My Father has suffered from diabetes since I was a small boy, he’s been blind for the past 7 years. My nephew was wheelchair bound due to MS since birth (all complicated by diabetes and Down syndrome), he passed on due to diabetic coma when he was just 12 years of age. So, I can understand why some take offense, because at times I do too.
But, I save my anger for those who exhibit disdain for the handicapped and believe me I’ve seen plenty. That said, I think humor is the most therapeutic treatment available. My father jokes about his blindness and it’s a great icebreaker for people who don’t see a person beyond the disability, it’s humanizing. When we park in a handicapped space and somebody makes the snide remark that he doesn’t look handicapped, he replies “oh, I didn’t see the sign” or when he’s asked if he wants a Braille menu, he says “this feels great, how does it taste” (he doesn’t read Braille because he has no feeling in his extremities) These little exchanges help my dad deal with his disability, and lets others know that there’s still a vibrant person inside this failing body.
Just a differing view.