Riding in his car
My father is a high school teacher. Next week, he will be taking a group of students around the midstate as part of a history tour for school.
He’s 74, and, while he’s not a feeble sort of 74 year old, he’s not the best driver in the world, either. It’s not a new development, it’s not really related to his age, it’s just always kind of been that way. I’m actually wondering how I ever learned to drive, now that I think about it.
I suppose everything is cool as long as his brakes hold up. But, I can’t help but worry a bit when he’s driving students around. To top it off, his shoulder is bothering him for some reason, but, he assures me that it isn’t a problem when he drives.
I just don’t ever want him to be in the situation where the school ends up telling him he can’t drive anymore.
Heh, I realized that in about 4 years, I’ll have a teenager AND an elder to worry about on the roads.
Tags: Aging, Driving, sandwich-generationRelated Stories
POSTED IN: My Father
4 opinions for Riding in his car
Elizabeth
Jan 1, 2007 at 11:54 am
Testing
JayMonster
Jan 2, 2007 at 12:14 pm
“Heh, I realized that in about 4 years, I’ll have a teenager AND an elder to worry about on the roads”
{{Shudder}}
egads. Thank goodness I have another 11 years before I have to even think about that.
Kerri
Jan 5, 2007 at 10:14 pm
That was, sincerely, one of the hardest things I’d ever had to do. Because of his brain tumors, Dad’s balance and strength were compromised. I’d ridden with him several times when it had been a bit scary. Up to that point, Mom was the only one who had told him he needed to stop, and no one else was willing. And he LOVED to drive. It was one of his favorite things to do. Growing up, he’d take the wheel of an entire 12 hour trip by himself, if we all let him! So, telling him was heartbreaking. I believe I was crying. Not something I wish on anyone.
Kerri
Jan 5, 2007 at 10:16 pm
Oh yeah, and he was only in his late 40’s or early 50’s. I know he pictured himself driving until his late 80’s/early 90’s like his favorite Grandpa. So hard to spoil that dream.
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