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Senior News January, 2005 Vol. 26. No. 1
Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.
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Humboldt Senior Resource Center Back issues Table of Contents
Plus in this issue catch more news, opinions, features, book reviews, and event calendars.
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Remembering Spirit Mom still driving? It's a family affair by Melanie Johnson My mother-in-law was 85 when her driver's license was due to expire. She was nervous but wanted to pass the test, so she got the Department of Motor Vehicles Handbook and studied it for a couple of weeks. On test day that September she drove her beautiful ruby red Oldsmobile Rocket 88 with the white leather upholstery to the La Mesa DMV and aced the written exam. She had a little trouble with the eye test but promised the examiner she'd wear sun glasses on bright days. She wasn't asked to take a driving test. Mom went home with a license good for another five years. She was thrilled. We were not! Our family had been concerned about Mom's driving for a few years. When we visited we did the driving, and other friends and family members drove when they did things together. Mom was always independent - going where and doing what she wanted. We honored her independence and congratulated her on her energy and enthusiasm for being involved with life. Basically we were all too chicken to address the issue of her giving up driving. In November we talked on the phone and decided to broach the subject with Mom when we were all together over the holidays. One evening a few days before Christmas we were sitting around and Mom casually mentioned that she didn't think her driving was as good as it used to be. Our eyes darted across the room, avoiding hers. We were all thinking, Uh, oh! It's that subject, now what? We tried to be nonchalant and feigned only casual interest. She persisted with, "Have you noticed any difference? What do you think?" We hemmed and hawed and said inane things like, "Oh, I don't know." She was quick to the rescue. "Well, you know I passed the driving test 100 percent and I have my license for another five years. I think that's pretty good." We were still mumbling, and she continued, "but I don't think I'm a very good driver any more. I've decided to keep my car but I won't drive it. I'll hang the keys on the hook by the back door, so if any of you want to drive it or if I need a ride somewhere you'll know where the keys are." We all then jumped into the conversation. The "kids," mature drivers ourselves, said, "We think that's a great decision Mom." She never drove again, but the classic ruby red Oldsmobile Rocket 88 with the white leather upholstery traveled many more miles with her as passenger. Mom's graceful departure from behind the wheel was a wonderful gift for our family. Melanie Johnson is an instructor and assistant state coordinator with the AARP Driver Safety Program. |
Senior News