We knew it was bound to happen...the child being used as fodder for the blogger. Shhhh...don't tell her. I doubt she looks at my "lame" site. She's too busy on Facebook.
I have always considered being a parent a gift and a privilege. Sure it has its challenges. Yes, it has its joys. The ups, the downs.
You worry when they are babies about fevers and immunizations. They toddle into banged heads and broken bones. They learn passwords to avoid potential abductions, swim lessons are a safety "must". Then the teenage years come along and your friends warn of drugs, alcohol, sex and partying. So the shock comes when I look out my window and see the "Be Safe Driving School" car and realize the TRUE HIDDEN DANGER...the Teenage Driver! (hear the music...dum dum duuuuuuum). Yes, she began driving lessons.
Have you ever driven in Southern California? It is a competitive sport! No signalling! Are you crazy? They will know you want to change lanes, you idiot! 50 miles/hr in a school zone? Of course! 70 on the freeway? Move over, gramma! And don't even start me on the Hummer situation.
So imagine my surprise when they take my gem, my puddle duck, my baby, and place her in the driver's seat on her first time out! I grab the camera and slip it between the shades to document what I am sure is a true safety violation (right Denise?). Off they spin for an hour. I hope they told her where the brake is.
I bite my nails and contemplate drinking at 2:30 in the afternoon until her return. She bounces in the door and shouts with glee about driving on the freeway!! And the Norwegian grade (a narrow, twisting road featured in the Tour De Amgen). She poses the question that is sure to challenge me...Can she drive to the Farmer's Market with me?
This is a test. I hear the clock ticking. Or is it my heart beating?
Of course, I reply.
The rest is history. I am here to write the blog another day.
4 comments:
the little booja behind the wheel !!
no radio, no friends, no phone,
no no say it aint so...
ah, who are we kidding? finally a safe driver in that BB family.:)
just kidding denise, who prob. also does not read this blog. or mine. :(
Having the beloved offspring learning to drive is scary, yes. But, I'm here to tell you what I found to be truly frightening - the first time your daughter wants to ride in a car with some young man driving. At least you know your own daughter, but who knows the skills and judgment of this other teenage driver?!
White knuckling your parenting journey makes it that much more of a thrill. Don't bother wiping the sweat from your brow now since it has tons more twists and turns to slam your way before you get your final badge of courage!
Traci, I can share your concerns. Today Nick is driving home from SW France by himself. 8 hr. trip and he only had his license for 4 mos. But I choose to not worry and have confidence, if that helps!
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