Bill and Barbara Doughten are both in their 70s. The couple has lived in their home for decades. Although they have a driveway, with their old age and health issues, the couple has found it easier to park horizontally on the lawn.
They didn’t think it was such a big deal, as it’s their lawn after all. However, in 2014, they received a handwritten letter from an anonymous real estate agent.
The letter read: “I’m trying to sell million dollar homes in the neighborhood. I drive my clients around and they see your car parked sideways on the front lawn! You have a driveway — use it!”
Bill says that he has a bum knee and shakes. It is just easier to park this way because it’s closer to the front door and he can unload the groceries with ease.
“My leg doesn’t work,” Bill said. “I do shake as you can possibly see.”
The couple’s granddaughter, Stephanie Powley, posted the letter on Facebook, where it went viral. Hundreds of people extended their support for the elderly couple.
“I was very angry,” said another granddaughter Teresa Doughten. “They shouldn’t have gotten this letter.”
While the couple doesn’t know the identity of the person who wrote the letter, they have no plans to change their behavior.
“I can do whatever I want to do,” Barbara said. “I’m not moving the car. I don’t know of any million dollar homes in this neighborhood.”
While one naysayer may disapprove of the couple’s right to park on their property the way they want, it’s apparent that the community at large supports the couple doing what’s best for them.
