Driving lessons

[Cwalker935]

Learning how to drive with my Dad was not the easiest thing. He had little patience and made me a nervous wreck. Yesterday, it was my turn to do a little teaching. It's been a year and a half since his stroke and he has not driven since then. My sister, some other family members and I drove out to a friends farm and put him in the driver's seat. He has only limited use of his right foot so I helped him get situated so that he could drive left footed and off we went. Teacher student roles were reversed but I was still the nervous one. I was worried that he was going to drive us into the creek or off the side of the mountain but he did great. He had a huge s*** eating grin as he was driving around. After stopping and getting out of the truck, my sister and others gave him a round of applause, ever the ham he doffed his hat and did a little bow. He sure knows how to enjoy life despite all his troubles. Focus on the positive things and forget the negative ones. Life is good.

 

[Dalecamino]

Awesome tale!

 

[tomtedesco]

Memories such as this are priceless. I would give anything to do something with my mon or dad who are no longer with me. Thanks.

 

[Sataro]

Precious memories like this will always be with you!

 

[jttheclockman]

That is a great story. My Dad taught all 4 of us kids to drive and we did OK. Still remember the bushel baskets with the broom sticks set up to do the parallel parking thing:biggrin: When my Dad could not drive any more he still loved it when I would come by and take him for a ride to see his buddies down the waterfront where he did fishing and crabbing. One by one they passed on and today that place is so developed my Dad would not recognize it if he were still alive.

Remember those good times forever and cherish them. The simple things in life we take for granted.

 

[MTViper]

My Dad taught my mother to drive right after they got married. He'd have regretted it except if he hadn't, he'd have had to drive her to and from work.

In 2001, my mother fell and broke her hip. Then she got an infection in it and had to have more surgery. Next came IV antibiotics and hyperbaric chamber. Finally, about 4 months later, she was cleared to drive by the doctor. I'd been shuttling her in and out for the daily appointments. After we left the doctor's office, she decided she wanted to drive since we were in her car. It was a cold, Feb day and right there beside the road was an empty city park. I pulled in and we changed positions and she drove home.

I didn't think any more about it until I heard her tell the story - for the rest of her life she said that I intentionally stopped in middle of the biggest, emptiest parking lot in town so there was no one else around that she could hit before I let her get behind the wheel. Facts, who cares about facts when you've got a good story to tell.

Steve