Recently there has been snow to clear in the driveway. My husband will be out there still shoveling when it is just about time to go.
“Here are the keys. Start the car and turn on the defroster.” I jump in the driver’s seat, turn the key and start the engine.
I don’t miss driving…until I do.
I have had this crazy impulse to adjust the seat, throw the car in gear and take off. My muscle memory screams the steps of driving out to me and I long to follow them just like I did for 46 years.
I don’t miss driving …until I do
I know I cannot be on the roads. Every day my vision arranges for me to have a little “surprise”. There are things there I simply did not see. My driving is a very bad idea and…
I don’t miss driving…until I do.
There are some parking lots nearby. They are deserted after hours. Maybe we could go over there some evening and I can “play cars”. But my husband does not think that would be a good idea. I might run into something. I know I should not be behind the wheel. I would be liable. That’s OK…
I don’t miss driving…until I do.
There is a multi-venue music festival next week. The act we want to see is performing ten miles away, ten miles closer to my friend’s home. Coming after me and taking me home would be an extra 40 miles for her. The event has shuttle bus service to try to keep some of the drunks off the road. If I take the shuttle bus I can get there and “only” be about 90 minutes early. But that’s OK because…
I don’t miss driving…until I do.
There is a conference in Center City Philadelphia I am thinking about attending in the fall. I miss the city, any city. While I love small town living, I also yearn for the excitement and variety of city life. I dislike buses but I could get a bus for about $60 round trip. Because of the schedule, I would have to go a day early, leave a day late. That would be about another $400 for the hotel. Did I mention…?
I don’t miss driving…until I do.
Is my life without driving HORRIBLE? In all honesty, no. I have my husband, the van system, friends. If I keep an open and accepting mind and stay creative, I can get to a good percentage of the things I want to get to. It was just the rush of déjà vu when I got behind the wheel. That is what got me. Because, after all…
I don’t miss driving…until I do.
Written February 23rd, 2019