A Sunday Drive

     I almost lost my life today.  My sweet daughter will be getting her driver's license in less than three months and I am not quite sure the world is prepared for that.  Please get prepared for that.  Clearly, Haven needs more practice driving, but I am not sure my little ticker can handle the education aspect.

     When we got into the car today, she did all of the right things: She put her seat belt on, checked her mirrors, adjusted all of the settings on the driver's seat, and  we set out on our way to pole vault practice.

     It is a hard thing trying to educate a teenage driver when you think you might die.  Haven is either going way too slow or way too fast, and she does both of these things when she should be doing the opposite.  When she is going too slow, I honestly do not mind all of the hand gestures we receive from passing vehicles, and we get a lot.  I just wave back with one finger and gently remind her to keep up with traffic.

     When she is going too fast, like when she fails to use her brake feet from an upcoming light, that is what I have a problem with.  I yell and scream and generally make my blood pressure rise to the point that I should be hospitalized.  Haven looks at me and retorts back with, "What's the problem?" like the problem isn't already evident.  We don't need to use our vehicle as a projectile missile.  We want to see Haven graduate from high school.

     I also in no way want to make her feel like she is not a good driver, because eventually, she will be.  I don't want to hurt her by getting down on my knees in the driveway and offering up a prayer for my life and others who will be on the road.  She might not take too kindly to that.

     I was not an amazing driver when I first began, but I understand now why my father held onto the "OH SHIT bars" for dear life.  I seriously have a hand cramp from this day's excursion.

     We will be practicing again, and soon, and I pray it will allow us to safely arrive to our final destination.  I hope it will result in me telling Haven, "Good job."  Right now, I need a drink.