Kelly is Driving. Me Crazy.

My daughter, Kelly, turned sixteen in August. The candles on her birthday cake had barely stopped smoldering when she said, "Now that I'm sixteen, you know what I want, right?"

"A job?" I guessed.

"Very funny, mom.  I want my Driver's License."

"You just turned 16!" I said. "Let's wait awhile."

"Mom, you got your License when YOU turned 16."

She's right, of course, but that was a  different time. With inflation, 16 isn't even close to what it used to be. The older I get, the younger teenage drivers look.  I just saw a neighborhood kid driving - I think he bought his car with a Trade-In from his Hot Wheels collection. 

As for Kelly, she's very responsible, but the thought of her behind the wheel is frightening. It wasn't always that way. When she first started driving,  everything was great. I was calm. My vital signs were normal.  I even complimented her on her command of the vehicle.

That all changed when we backed out of the driveway. My palms started sweating, every muscle tensed, and I strained to catch my breath.

"MOM!" Kelly cried out, as she edged into the busy street. "You're REALLY making me NERVOUS!"

I'm making YOU nervous?? Gee, I'm sorry. It's probably because I'M PRETTY SURE WE'RE BOTH GOING TO DIE RIGHT NOW!

Since then, I've learned some tips to relax, like practicing Zen breathing. Also, I close my eyes.

Last week Kelly passed her written test, and her drivers test is coming up. She's learned a lot and I have to admit she's a very good driver.

Still, she's afraid she won't pass.

I'm afraid she will.

Comments

[Beverly]

Kay, Be thankful you aren't waiting for a "son named Joe" to pass the driving test. I can't believe little sweet Kelly is old enough to drive. Yesteday she was 9 or 10 wasn't she? Thanks for the bonding your articles are always uplifting and this trip down my own memory lane was so wlecomed. You really make the drab world of others like me brighter. Thanks.