Keep Four Eyes On the Road

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So we have another licensed driver in the house. After two years of hearing, 'I'm a good driver.' Matt passed his road test.

It's funny what a parent looks at in times like these, but when he told me that he passed my mind flashed me a memory of him sitting beside me, at the age of 3, beating my brains out in Play Station basketball. At that time, I was simply amazed that he was reading the guys names on the back of their uniforms.

Now I'm simply amazed that he's on the road with me. Amazed and nervous.

He took my father-in-law's car yesterday and he was skipping out to the driveway. No doubt he was feeling all grown-up and full of the hopefulness of being alive.

I recalled the first time I drove my parents car all the way to Buffalo to go to work. I was nervous getting there, nervous as I worked (I kept looking out the window to assess my park job) and nervous getting home.

Yet as Matt got all fired up, I decided that I had to be the guy to tear him down - because I feared for him out there in the big bad world.

"You have to wear your glasses," I scolded. "It's on your license and its hard to see when it's dark or raining. Besides, if you don't, I have your license plate, I'll call the cops."

"I'm a good driver," he said.

So, I left for work, knowing that Matt was heading to school. After getting the newspapers, I headed back past my house and noticed that he was making a perfect left hand turn - blinker on and all - and I dropped back a bit knowing that the light was coming up.

Matt came to a full stop a car length back of the car in front of him. I came to rest just outside his passenger side window. His eyes were fixed straight ahead.

I laid on the horn, nearly causing him to jump clear through the roof, and he turned to face me.

Glasses on - seatbelt on - hands at ten and two - a look of sheer terror on his face.

I gave him the DeNiro, "I'm watching you," sign from 'Meet the Parents.'

I could almost mouth him saying, 'I'm a good driver.'

The light changed and I floored it to leave him in the dust.

Incidentally, I was wearing my seatbelt and glasses too.

I still haven't forgiven him for beating me at Play Station.

Comments

Cindy Lehnortt said…
You're so funny & I can totally relate!
11 November, 2010
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