I got into the car with my Son yesterday. Nothing unusual about that, I hear you say. No, not really, except that this time it was him that was behind the wheel. He has been having lessons. But, I have never seen him behind the wheel, hear him discuss his driving ability, or the pros and cons of driving. Of course I always asked after each lesson, but as with all young men, I just got a monosyllabic reply.
I put on my best smiling nonchalant face and buckled myself in. I tried to avoid the urge to grip the sides of my seat tightly with both hands. I found myself sitting with my feet outstretched and my hand gripping the safety handle and staring straight out through the windscreen. I was wishing I was back in my rallying days when I had a safety harness and a helmet and a roll bar in the car (and an experienced driver!).
He got in a casual and relaxed as ever, adjusted the seat and the mirror, checked all around him and took off. Just like that, no nerves, no stress, no checking all round him to find where everything is in this unfamiliar vehicle. How do boys do that? I have to check where everything is, figure out how air con works, find the on/off switch for the radio, and remember which button changes the stations. But not him, he seemed to know instinctively where everything was and how everything works. I was impressed. (Hmm... maybe he has been in this car before, without me!!!)
I was also very impressed with his driving, we made it home, incident free, and he parked with ease, beautifully aligned with the kerb. I noticed that I was sitting relaxed and chatting all the way. My tension had dispersed. I know it's not unusual and he is not the first, but it was a big day for both of us! I hope he takes so easily to all the things he has to learn in life.
I am back using public transport this week for work, so he called me this morning and asked could he take the car to work. I may never see my car again.
One small step for my nerves, one giant leap for his independence!!
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