Her driving test!
Yes, my Olivia is now a licensed driver.
It only took 3 times but she passed on Saturday.
And now my real worrying begins.
There are so many accidents these days with teenagers.
I think it's because once a teenager gets their driver's license they get a car and forget everything about being careful.
They forget all their parents told them about being safe
and just drive as if they're going to live forever.
Well, I'm about to become a very unpopular mom.
But that's only because Olivia is my life and
I couldn't handle anything happening to her.
Now, don't worry. I will let her drive.
But I need to have her take it slowly at first.
Or maybe, I need to take it slowly at first!
I remember reading the following when I was just a teenager myself.
It made a huge impact on my life.
And now that my daughter is going to drive in a car alone I need to share this with her. Maybe we all need to share it with a teenage driver.
The day I died was an ordinary school day.
How I wish I had taken the bus. But I was too cool for the bus. I remember how I wheedled the car out of Mom. "Special favor," I pleaded. "All the kids drive." When the 2:50 bell rang, I threw all my books in the locker. I was free until 8:40 tomorrow morning! I ran to the parking lot, excited at the thought of driving a car and being my own boss.......
It doesn’t matter how the accident happened. I was goofing off going too fast. Taking crazy chances. But I was enjoying my freedom and having fun. The last thing I remember, I was passing an old lady who seemed to be going awfully slowly. I heard the deafening crash and felt a terrible jolt. Glass and steel flew everywhere. My whole body seemed to be turning inside out. I heard myself scream.
Suddenly it was quiet. A police officer was standing over me. There was a doctor, and my body was mangled. I was saturated with blood. Pieces of jagged glass were sticking out all over. Strange that I couldn’t feel anything.
Hey, don’t pull that sheet over my head! I can’t be dead. I’m only 17. I’ve got a date tonight. I’m supposed to grow up and have a wonderful life. I haven’t even lived yet, I can’t be dead.
Later I was placed in a drawer. My folks had to identify me. Why did they have to see me like this? Why did my mother have to face the most terrible ordeal of her life? Why did Dad suddenly look like an old man? He told the man in charge, "Yes, that is my child."
The funeral was a weird experience. All my relatives and friends walked toward the casket. They passed by, one by one, and looked at me with the saddest eyes. Some of the boys were crying. A few of the girls touched my hand and sobbed as they walked away.
I wish someone could wake me up and get me out of this casket! My mom and dad are so broken up. My grandparents are so racked with grief that they can barely walk. My brothers and sisters stare ahead like zombies, and move like robots. No one can believe that this happened to me.
Please don’t bury me! I have lots of living to do! I want to run and jump again. I want to laugh and sing. Please don’t put me in the ground. I promise if you give me one more chance, I’ll be the most careful driver in the whole world!
Please, God, I’m only 17!
Debbie says
Hi
Been there and done that 4 times!! It is a season of very mixed feelings for sure. The independence and step towards total adulthood is an exciting thing for you both..but the extra amount of worrying and concern just comes with the territory of handing them those car keys. The mom in you can't be denied. I remember my new favorite sound was the crunch of the tires as they pulled back safely in that driveway. But I told myself everytime that walked out that door that they were in the mighty hands of our God, and it really was the safest place to be. Your story was a good one, and she will remember that and everything else you've taught her I am very sure. ENJOY this times in her life, there is soo very much more to come...
Hugs,
Debbie
Busy Mom in NJ says
Congratulations Olivia! Now take your Mom's advice. She's worried about you and loves you.
Lois, she'll be just fine and that story is definitely something that will stick with her.
Loretta says
Hi Lois,
Congratulations to Olivia! I remember reading that story many years ago. Michael has been driving for 4 years now and I still worry every time he leaves the house. It's what we do as mothers. Michael gives me a quick call when he reaches his destination and it means the world to me. Just pray. It's our most powerful tool! Hugs, Loretta
Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend says
so glad to get to visit your blog tonight... Blessings to you and yours....Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with many blessings.
Teresa
Grammy Girlfriend http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com/
and
http://grammyababychangeseverything.blogspot.com
Miss Jen says
Dear Lois~
*hugs*
May the Lord strengthen
your daughter and equip
her for the task at hand!
Love~ Jen
My Vintage Studio says
Hello. I found your blog this evening...gald to read about your DH staying until the 26th.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and the best for the New Year.
Sharon
Elle Bee says
Pretty poignant. I hope it will help your daughter to understand why you are feeling so protective during this new phase. I can barely stand letting my daughter go off to Sunday school on her own--I will need your help when she turns 16 for sure!!
Nancy says
I wish I could give you wonderful advice to calm all your fears. But all I can say is, we've all been in your shoes at one time and it isn't easy! And the truth is, we will always worry about our babies no matter how old they are.
All I can say is, God heard from me so much during those years I was afraid He would tell me to shut up! 😉 Hang in there and be the unpopular mom!
Nancy.
Carmen C. says
Thanks for sharing that, I'm gonna print it out for my son to read. My best friend from High school was killed at age 19 because the boy she was riding with was drunk and speeding. Congrats to your daughter for passing the test, it took my son three tries to pass it:)
Warren Baldwin says
Welcome to a new phase of parenting! You are right, it does increase the worrying! I think as our kids grow up and our concern for their safety intensifies, we learn more of what it must be like for God and his concern for us.
I've read that story about the teen driver before and it always gets to me.
wb