Mom: (sharp intake of breath)
Me: That scares me to death!
Mom: SLOW DOWN!
Me: Can you not frown?
Mom: (silently gripping door handle tight)
Me: Wow, your knuckles are white!
Mom: I'll drive home from here.
Me: But you have nothing to fear!
Mom: (heavy sigh) Fine, I'll try to stay calm.
Me: Thanks? (I hope I survive driving with Mom)
I remember those days! You've perfectly captured both perspectives. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCatherine
Thanks, Catherine! I try not to be the mom of this scenario, but I know that sometimes I am. =)
DeleteYay, you did it! I can SO relate to your daughter here. My mother was always so nervous when I was driving. Great job! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jama! The change of POV was a great suggestion! =)
DeleteI love it that you showed the other side. So good!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ruth! It is as hard to be the teenager learning to drive as it is being the parent teaching. "I try to be calm." LOL! =)
DeleteWhite knuckles, deep sighs, you've captured the scene perfectly here.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Margaret! Unfortunately I've captured myself here (sometimes). I try...=)
DeleteMy most UN favorite time as a parent, Bridget. You've written it perfectly!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! Yes, I agree, this has not been my favorite phase of parenting, but on the upside, I don't have to play chauffeur to at least one child. =)
DeletePerfect. I love seeing the other point of view.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz! My daughter has been patient with me...despite my less than patient moments. =)
DeleteHow perfect it this! I would be that mom... which is why hubby took our 16 yr old son out driving.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Violet! I am this mom (sometimes) but my hubby has taken my daughter out most of the time - which is better for all of our relationships. =)
DeleteBridget, luckily, I've never had to teach anyone to drive but it brought me back to when my dad was teaching my sister. Sitting in the back seat I was SO terrified by their exchanges that I never accompanied them ever again. And it took over 15 years before I had the courage to learn to drive. I took MANY MANY MANY lessons from a CALM driver's ed instructor.
ReplyDeleteYour poem is RIGHT ON!
Cory
Thank you, Cory! Driving lessons are traumatic for everyone in the family - parent, driver, and siblings. I'm sorry you were traumatized watching your sister, but I'm glad you found a calm driver's ed teacher when the time was right. =)
ReplyDelete