I grew up in the Boston Massachusetts area and something like this would not be uncommon. I must admit that it is pretty sad that people can be like this.

I now live in North Carolina, where 4-way stop signs are illegal because everyone wants to let the others go first and it causes major traffic tie ups............(OK I made that up)

I try to treat others like I would like to be treated. I hope you don't give up on people. There are folks here that will be true friends.

That was a nice thing that you did for your mother.

David.

This just makes me sad. Why would someone not help another person who is struggling to open a gas cap? I just don't get it. It is just basic human kindness, for goodness sake. I am so sorry that your good intentions got all mucked up by mean people. I agree with Dvid...the Golden Rule should always come into play...treat others as you would have them treat you. I do believe is karma, and one day, when those people need a hand, one will not be extended to them. It just makes me sad. How nice that you got your mom pizza, and the thought was good for trying to fill her gas tank. I am sorry you were treated so badly. Hugs xxx

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I had a locking gas cap on my car and I couldn't get it open. So I drove to autoZone and had them get it off. They asked if I wanted a diffent cap. I said yes because If I don't have a gas cap my engine light comes on.and won't go off.LOL. Thats a sure sign we lost a gas cap.LOL.

This is so sad..... I would hate to think that would happen in this country - maybe in some of the really bad areas of the bigger cities it might happen though. I can understand the attendant as he would lose his job if he left the store.
I agree with the others - treat others as you want to be treated .
Remember this though - what goes round comes around and while those people will probably never realise the reason there will come a time when they will be treated as badly.
Hope that you enjoyed your pizza and have enough gas to get back to get it refilled.

It's sad that people can't help. What I was wondering though is why the attendant wouldn't help. Even self-serve stations have to provide handicap assistance. Usually they have a call button. You might want to call the station manager or owner to ask about this treatment. It's possible that the attendant didn't know how to handle the situation and needs some training.

Good point about the HP assistance.

I know this is off topic, and I'm not trying to make light of this terrible ignorance, but my wife has a 2008 Ford Explorer that does not have or require a gas cap. This blew my mind, which would only take a small gust, when I saw it.

David.

Oh my friend...how horrible. I think Tigg2 is absolutely correct though. By law--person with a disability are able to receive such service if needed at the pump/ grocery story/ any public building -library-hospital etc.

I live in Oregon where it illegal to pump your own gas and therefore; I never have to worry about it. A lot of places if you pay cash will make you pay inside--but ify ou have a handicap sticker--the attendant will take it inside for you. It has been very helpful because if I had to get out and pump my own gas---it would be
Circque d'Freak!

HUGS

I have had to ask for help with gas caps on my own car and a couple of times with filling a flat tire. All times I got a "look" but then the guys gave in and helped. I routinely have clerks open bottles for me. Once I had a flat tire in my condo parking lot. I don't remember where I needed to be but it was important. I asked a one of the condo landscape workers if he could help. He couldn't speak English but saw the tire and put on the temporary for me without a hesitation. I paid him for his help but he didn't ask for anything but a "Gracias". There are still a few good folks out there. It probably helps that I have let my hair go silver--coloring it was too hard with my neck but, like a cane, it is a signal to others that I may have difficulty. I'm sorry no one would help you. We do usually try to look more able than we are, so their "helping" gene didn't get activated. Otherwise, they are jerks!

So sorry!! Like Dave, I live in N.C. in a small town. Folks here are usually helpful although there are butt... everywhere! I try to do little kindness where I can, like let someone w/ a couple items ahead of me in grocery lines, things like that. I like to think that maybe I've brightened their day a little, given them a little hope in the general kindness of others plus IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD. Maybe the best revenge is to be a little kinder. LOL

This reminds me that i'm a good person lol what goes around comes around. Like the others have said its THEIR karma not yours. I truly belive in karma. when i worked at mickey d's when i was younger i would carry old laides trays to their table for them. Refill anyones coffee that was in a wheelchair. Hold open doors with people with canes and now people do the same for me. But trust me on this no one would help me before i got my canes cause i'm so young. I think maybe you look young and able so people thing you are able. It makes me nuts! I feel for you. Im just appalled that not one in those 5 people would help goodness!

Want me to beat them with my canes? i'll do it LOL

Sorry this happend. take care

I am so sorry this happened to you and though there is always the jerk in the crowd it seems they were having a convention at the gas station you went to.

I live in ME,ME,ME, Long Island and find I get about a 70% positive response, usually without even asking. About a month after I had surgery on my hip I decided to go for a walk with my crutches the couple of blocks to the grocery story. I didn't buy much nor did it weigh much but by the time I got to the edge of the parking lot I realized I couldn't carry two bags and get home safely so was getting ready to ditch my shopping. A cab pulled up and the cabbie said he could give me a ride. Around here if you breathe on the cab it's $7 so I said no thank you. He said, "look, I am not going to watch you struggle nor let you throw away what you have there. I am not charging you, just get in." It took me a couple of minutes to consider and accept the help. He drove me home and refused a tip.

If you want maybe we all need to take a road trip to your town and get some gas. We could probably hold up the works till everyone got the idea that it benefits everyone when you help out. Hugs.

I agree with Tigg2: let the manager know what happened and they can train the employee better. You will be helping the next differently abled person. The cashier usually has a key to the cash drawer and/or interior and they can temporarily lock up if need be (in most places.)

I can not believe 5 people would not help! Did you tell them about your disability? Most assume the disabled are in wheelchairs and probably didn't understand the situation. Don't be shy.

I can't say I've ever had that issue. Every time I've needed help, even during -40 deg F weather, people stopped and automatically helped almost instantaneously, sometimes several people. Luck of the draw or geography, most likely.

1littleb, so glad the cabbie gave you a freebie! I was struggling with groceries on foot and a cop gave me a ride to my front door. I hope lovebaby8 gets someone good like that next time!

I did try to ask the attendent for help but he said by law if he is the only one on shift he can not leave the store so I understand that situation. I told the people who I asked for help that I have RA really bad and I am not able to take the gas cap off but they just look at me and walked off. Thank you all for your replies I appreciate it in my town people do not like to help each other for some reason. No one holds doors open or anything they will just shut them on you.

I am joining Ray and will bring my two canes and my walker - I am pretty good at running over toes with it - I do that to my DH ALL the time.
BTW I have not yet filled up my car...... DH does it as he is always with me at the moment. I really need to look at that to make sure that I can get it off.

Love I was thinking. Do you and an Arthritis Association there? We do here and they can supply aids to help you with taking caps off, open taps etc. Hope this doesn't happen again.
But what goes round comes round - one day ..........