Drivers Training

            In 1980 I ran to Mr. Wilcox’s classroom to make sure I made the cut for summer driver’s education class.  Next thing I knew it I was on my knees begging him to let me into the over-filled class.  After about ten minutes of begging and pleading my name was added to the class list.  Did I learn to drive?  Does a beaver dam a stream? 

            Today, Michigan schools do not give free driver’s education.  Many parents wait until their child turns eighteen before teaching them themselves.  I remember a couple of years ago when Ted and Candace learned.  We went to the Secretary of State, where the kids took the fifty question test and were issued their permit.  Candace sat in the driver’s seat of our 1998 Windstar and pulled into traffic.  I believe I almost had a heart attack.  My whole body tensed up, my chest hurt, my knuckles turned white from hanging on to the door handle, and I started rethinking professional driving classes.  Brian issued his directive in short order:  I was the designated trainer, because he is such a bad passenger.  After a month of torturing mom, the kids passed their road test and became licensed drivers.  I thanked God that my oldest Amanda was married and now it was Michael’s job to teach her.  Two was enough.  

            Through the dynamic years of Bible College, her mentorship in South Carolina, and ministry across the country, she has not had consistent time or residency to get licensed.  This week, Michael came up with an evil plan to pass the buck to good old mom, while he flies off to South Korea for the week.  My visions of hanging onto my heart, begging God to let me live returned this week.  Yesterday, I decided that it was time to embrace the horror.  I grabbed the car keys, tossed them to Amanda and told her, “We’re going driving.”  At this point, I must give credit where it is due.  Amanda is a much better driver than I had feared.  She really did a great job!  As I also did a great job, not freaking out, I deserved a reward, so we pulled into my new favorite Chinese Restaurant, for a little lunch.  I brought Brian some leftovers, but I didn’t feel obligated to save him any Crab Rangoons!  Did I say that Jasmine tea is relaxing?  Well, it is, especially as it was in the low fifties and windy today.